In California, allegations of wrongful termination, retaliation and other employment law violations can arise in any kind of job whether it is a corporate or a blue collar position. Those in prominent positions can be victimized just as someone on a lower-tier job can. Understanding what employers can and cannot do under state employment law can help an employee recognize when something illegal has occurred.
A former president of an international advertising firm has filed a lawsuit against the company claiming he was wrongfully terminated, was retaliated against, and the victim of discrimination. The case claims that the CEO fired the president because he reported the CEO’s conduct to the head of human resources and an in-house lawyer. The conduct in question is alleged to have been various forms of harassment of a sexual, racial, gender and age-related nature. The CEO allegedly retaliated when the complaints were made.
The CEO joined the company as its global head in June of 2014 after functioning as a marketing officer in China for a car company. He had worked at other ad agencies prior to that. In the lawsuit, the CEO is accused of practicing discrimination against women and on religious and ethnic lines. The former president says that the CEO made derogatory comments about women and uttered stereotypical comments about a Jewish employee. Prior to his dismissal, the president encouraged other employees to complain to human resources. He now says he was fired for his actions.
Those who believe they are witnessing harassing behaviors, discrimination or any other illegal conduct in the workplace have the right to complain about it and not have to worry about retaliation. If an employee believes his or her termination was retaliatory, he or she may have the right to compensation. An experienced employment lawyer can help the employee evaluate their options.
Source: adweek.com, “Former RAPP U.S. President Files Lawsuit Accusing CEO of Discrimination and Wrongful Termination,” Patrick Coffee, May 17, 2016