Woman complains about sexist treatment, but her district manager allegedly tells her to “keep [her] mouth shut or [she] would be fired like the last catering director.”

David ManesLawsuits & Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Employee Files Lawsuit against Parkhurst and Eat N Park for Sex Discrimination       

Patricia, a Catering Sales Manager, formerly worked with the Parkhurst Dining Services, Inc. and Eat N Park Hospitality Group to serve clients. Immediately, according to Patricia, her office manager started to address her as a “bitch” and his manner towards her was rude and vulgar. When she realized that this behavior didn’t extend to her male coworkers, Patricia informed the office manager that his behavior and language towards her were inappropriate and unwelcome.

“Lady, you’re in the wrong business.” The office manager allegedly sneered at her. So Patricia moved up the chain of command to speak with the general manager about the behavior, asking if her desk could be moved further away from the office manager. The general manager denied her request and did nothing to rectify the problem.

In fact, word must have circled back to the office manager that Patricia had complained because his abuse intensified. Specifically, he moved his desk closer to hers and spun it so he faced her. She claims that he berated her in public, calling her a “bitch,” and he delighted in throwing her personal items in the trash. No employee should suffer this degrading treatment.

Barely holding up under this daily harassment and failing to receive any help from upper management, Patricia complained to the HR department, Parkhurst, and a manager. Soon after, the district manager contacted Patricia. He allegedly advised her to “keep [her] mouth shut or [she] would be fired like the last Catering Director for complaining too much.”

Her heart dropped. Overwhelmed by the ongoing harassment and lack of response, Patricia hired a lawyer to notify and complain to the office.  At this point, the district manager informed Patricia that she had gone too far, and Patricia asserts that he tried to force her to sign a disciplinary notice. Affronted that seeking fair treatment was considered disciplinary, Patricia wouldn’t sign. The district manager became frustrated and called two security guards to escort Patricia off campus.

Man or woman, no one should suffer unfair and inappropriate treatment based on sex. This behavior directly contradicts the law. And still, Parkhurst Dining Services, Inc. and Eat N Park Hospitality Group deny Patricia’s claims.  This is why KM&A continues to fight employment discrimination.

Full text of this complaint, as filed with the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, is available at docket no: 2:17-cv-02378-GJP

Kraemer, Manes & Associates LLC is an employment law firm with principal offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, serving all counties in Pennsylvania, focusing on employment law, business law, litigation, and civil issues. KM&A clients include employees, small businesses, parties in litigation, and people with a variety of legal issues.

For more information about this case, contact Attorney Jonathan Chase at 215-475-3504 or at jwc@lawkm.com.

NOTICE: All information contained in this statement comes from the Complaint which has been filed as a public record with the court. As dedicated civil rights attorneys, we strongly believe in the public value of telling our clients’ stories: violators can be held accountable, and other silent victims can feel empowered to stand up for their legal rights. Although we make every attempt to verify our clients’ claims, note that the defendant is expected to oppose our client’s position, and the court has not ruled one way or the other as of the date of this statement.