Worker's suit alleges BP fired him because he refused to discriminate against others

HOUSTON - Claiming BP fired him because he refused to racially discriminate against non-white employees, Tommy Danysh has filed a lawsuit.

Recent court papers filed Nov. 15 in Houston federal court allege BP treated Danysh less favorably after it learned he supported and befriended minorities prior to his apparent termination.

BP employed the plaintiff, a 54-year-old Caucasian male, for more than 27 years.

He was a utility operator and shift supervisor at the time of the events in question which are the focus of the litigation.

According to the original petition, Danysh was subjected to a hostile work environment that continued throughout his employment with co-workers and supervisors referring to blacks as "n******" and other racial slurs.

Danysh asserts the defendant encouraged him to discriminate against minorities, but his resistance prompted the company to ostracize, blackball and harass him, stating he chose to maintain friendships with his non-white colleagues.

The suit further explains that BP also mistreated the plaintiff because he "was appropriately vocal about safety compromises and situations."

It adds the respondent subjected him to its apparent habit of "setting up older workers on a doomed path of failure and ultimate dismissal due to their age."

BP terminated Danysh on Nov. 3, 2011.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Keryl L. Douglas with the Law Office of Keryl L. Douglas in Houston is representing the complainant.

Case No. 4:12-CV-3377