Home health aide alleges discrimination and retaliation

A Harris County woman brought a lawsuit against a Houston corporation for alleged racial discrimination in 2013, in violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Ytonja L. Keys of Humble filed suit against Phoenix Healthcare & Services Inc., located in Houston, in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas on May 12, claiming discrimination and retaliation.

Keys began her employment as a home health aide with the defendant on Oct. 1, 2007. Initially, she resigned her position due to alleged unfair work assignments and a perceived hostile working environment. In March 2013, she filed a complaint with the EEOC, which was successfully mediated on Aug. 22, 2013.

The plaintiff declares that the agreement was partly followed by her employer, but she continues to experience harassment and retaliation. Specifically, she alleges that the company has failed to assign her enough work, leading to reduced wages; and additionally, habitually transfers her patients to other workers.

Following alleged acts of discrimination beginning as early as Aug. 22, 2013 and lasting until March 13, 2014, Keys was issued a right to sue notice in February 2015. The plaintiff seeks back pay, damages, relief, attorney’s fees, expenses, and costs.

She is self-represented at this time.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case 4:15-cv-01276