MARSHALL -- A man working at the Goodyear plant in Tyler claims he was terminated because he is male.
Area manager Cory Harris states that although the Goodyear plant was preparing to close, salaried employees were told they would be able to continue their employment with Goodyear and receive transfers to other facilities.
But Harris alleges that while he was on medical leave for a work-related injury, he was told he did not qualify for a job transfer and was terminated.
Harris believes that he was fired in retaliation for his disability and because he is male, court papers say.
Cory Harris filed the wrongful termination suit against Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas on July 22.
At the time of his termination, Harris states there were area manager positions open at other Goodyear plants. As evidence, he argues that a less qualified and less experienced female employee retained her employment and was able to transfer to another plant.
Harris is asking the court to find that Goodyear discriminated based on disability, enjoin Goodyear from further discrimination and reinstatement into his former position.
The complaint is seeking an award of damages for back pay, attorney fees and court costs. Further, Harris is seeking an award of exemplary damages by arguing his termination was deliberately based on his filing a claim for worker's compensation benefits.
The plaintiff is requesting a trial by jury.
Tyler attorney William S Hommel Jr. is representing the plaintiff.
U.S. District Judge T. John Ward will preside over the litigation.
Case No: 2:2008cv00285