Woman files harassment, discrimination suit

A Grayson County woman has sued an Austin company, alleging unlawful employment practices.

Noemi Zavala filed a lawsuit Feb. 19 against Aaron’s Inc. in the Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas Feb. 19, citing harassment and discrimination.

According to complaint, Zavala began employment with Aaron's in May 2011 and was promoted to manager in May 2013. She was the sole Hispanic employee, and she and two other women, the only other female employees, were subjected to verbal abuse by the regional manager, the suit states.

The suit states that after being subjected to profanity and racist remarks, Zavala reported the incident to her human resources colleague. When Zavala was informed that the manager would continue to work at the store, she decided to submit her resignation July 31, 2014, the suit states, and the senior regional manager offered her an alternate position at a different location at lesser pay.

The suit says Zavala viewed the offer as retaliatory but accepted it. According to the suit, Zavala’s paycheck was subsequently late and lower than the agreed-upon rate. Zavala experience a hostile work environment, discrimination and wrongful termination, according to the suit.

Zavala seeks exemplary damages, lost wages, attorney fees, expenses and costs. She is represented by attorney Ronald Huff of Sherman.

Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number: 4:15-CV-00123-ALM