Sonic manager sues claiming he was fired for supporting co-workers who complained of harassment

LUFKIN - A manager for A Sonic Drive-In in Center has filed a lawsuit claiming he lost his job because he supported women co-workers who were complaining about sexual harassment by the general manager.

Michael Hubbard filed suit against Center SDI, doing business as Sonic Drive-In, on April 27 in the Eastern District of Texas, Lufkin Division.

According to the lawsuit, Hubbard is a 37-year-old African-American male who was working as a manager for the Sonic in Center. He states that in the fall of 2009, female employees complained that the general manager was sexually harassing them. Hubbard supported the women and reported their complaints to higher management.

"He was told that male supervisors were supposed to stick together," the lawsuit states.
Hubbard claims he was repeatedly threatened with termination and was fired in Dec. 2009.

He was told he was fired for copying schedules, but Hubbard states he was really fired for opposing sexual discrimination and sexual harassment.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for mental, emotional and psychological damages, lost compensation, punitive damages, attorney's fees, interest and court costs.

Hubbard is represented by Alex A. Castetter of Stuckey, Garrigan & Castetter in Nacogdoches. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 9:11-cv-00076