Turner Industries transfers sexual harassment case to federal court

Turner Industries Group recently notice of removal in a sexual harassment case filed against the company.

As previously reported, Marilyn Woods filed suit against Turner Industries and the co-worker who allegedly harassed her, Daniel Ashley, on April 25 in Jefferson County District Court, alleging her employer retaliated against her for reporting sexual harassment.

A notice of removal was filed in the case on June 6, stating that the case has been removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

According to the petition, on April 15, 2011, Woods was employed as a firewatch for Turner Industries with Ashley as her supervisor. He allegedly began making sexual overtures, including comments about her buttocks and statements such as the two would engage in sexual relations.

According to allegations in the lawsuit, during the next several weeks Ashley allegedly made repeated unwanted physical contact, which included touching Wood’s buttock and breasts, prompting her to report him.

Soon after, the defendants retaliated against Woods by transferring her to a different unit and cutting her hours. When she could not work for two weeks, the defendants terminated her, the suit alleges.

Woods alleges the defendants discriminated against her based on gender and violated her civil rights.

On top of exemplary damages, Woods is suing for her lost wages and mental anguish.

Beaumont attorney Clay Dugas represents her.

Case No. A192-362