PITTSBURGH - A man claims suffering through a hostile work environment and age discrimination while working at a Chili's restaurant.
George Hronakes filed a complaint on May 4 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Brinker Penn Trust & Brinker International d/b/a Chili's Grill and Bar, for hostile work environment and age discrimination.
According to the complaint, Hronakes had been employed with Chili's Grill and Bar since 1992 as a food server. Hronakes alleged that he began receiving less hours on the weekly schedule beginning May 2019 and discussed the issue with supervisor and general manager Rian Martin on May 31, 2019. During the discussion, Martin asked questions "how old are you?" "how long do you expect to work here?" and "at your age, don't you have any other sources of income or any money saved?" the lawsuit says.
On June 16, 2019, Hronakes and Martin had another discussion in which Martin allegedly referenced Hronakes' age again, used "obscene" language and asked why the plaintiff continues to work at the establishment. Hronakes alleged that he was also treated differently than younger co-workers, was yelled at and cursed at by co-workers, causing mental, physical distress and anxiety.
Hronakes seeks back pay, front pay, compensation for out of pocket expenses and mental and emotional distress, punitive damages and attorneys fees and cost of suit. Hronakes is represented by Howard F Murphy, Esquire and Erin L. Santorella, Esquire.