Whether in Florida or another state, all employees have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination. A former employee of a television station in another state recently filed a lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit alleges wrongful termination and discrimination based partly on her problem with alcoholism. She claims that victims of alcoholism are protected under state and federal law. Further allegations include a substantial list of violations of the labor code, including privacy violations.
Court documents indicate that the 51-year-old former news anchor was arrested for DUI arrests on two occasions, leading to a demotion and, ultimately, to her dismissal. It is alleged that, after the first arrest, her employers ordered her to sign an agreement as her last chance to warn her that another arrest may lead to termination. This included consent to subject her to random alcohol and drug testing, the results of which the news station would have access. This gave rise to her claim to invasion of privacy.
Discrimination related to wages, age, gender and national origin is also alleged. The plaintiff claims that she was paid much less than her male counterpart and that she was replaced by a much younger female as the news anchor. Furthermore, both the male and female anchors after her dismissal were not from Hispanic origin as she was.
A lawsuit alleging multiple labor law violations, such as discrimination, wrongful termination and more, may prove to be a complicated process. An attorney who is experienced in employment law may be the appropriate person to navigate such claims. Those in Florida facing similar circumstances should consult a seasoned employment lawyer, who can assess all the allegations and advocate on behalf of the client to achieve the best possible outcome under the particular circumstances.
Source: independent.com, "Paula Lopez Sues KEYT for Discrimination, Wrongful Termination", Tyler Hayden, Sept. 14, 2016