Project manager claims layoff retaliation for discrimination complaints

SHERMAN - A project manager has filed a discrimination lawsuit against her employer claiming that she was not actually laid off from her job but terminated in retaliation for complaining about race and gender harassment.

Thelma Wilson filed suit against Ericsson Inc. on Nov. 6 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Wilson is a female of African American and Native American descent. She was employed as a project manager for the defendant from November 2009 until March 30, 2012.  According to the lawsuit, she was allegedly terminated due to part of a layoff.

Wilson claims that during her employment she was passed over for promotions without explanation. She complained to a supervisor in June 2011 that she felt she was being harassed and subjected to discrimination based on her race and gender. Wilson reported race and gender based harassment and retaliation to the Human Resources Manager in September 2011.

The defendant is accused of discriminating and retaliating against Wilson, including discharging or constructively discharging Wilson’s employment.

The plaintiff is asking the court to issue an injunction to enjoin the defendant from continuing to discriminate against Wilson and for an award of damages for back pay, front pay, mental anguish, humiliation, loss of privacy, loss of reputation, emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney fees, court costs and interest.

Wilson is represented by Christine Neill and Jane Legler Byrne of Neill and Byrne. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 4:12-cv-00694