Grimes Co. man claims he lost job at power plant because of diabetes

HOUSTON - A Grimes County man has filed a lawsuit after he was allegedly terminated for having diabetes, recent court documents say.

Rodney L. Floyd is suing the Texas Municipal Power Agency in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas.

Floyd's suit, filed Feb. 13, states that the plaintiff worked as a mechanic at the defendant's power plant from February 2008 to November 2011.

The suit states the agency originally did not consider Floyd for employment, but later hired him after he "expressed his concern over their discriminatory practices."

Floyd asserts TMPA fired him via written correspondence dated Nov. 17, 2011, though he performed his tasks without any special accommodations and his work performance reviews were positive.

"The plaintiff alleges that the defendant concluded that the plaintiff's perceived disability would limit him in performing his job at TMPA and made a determination to terminate his employment," the suit says.

According to the original petition, the respondent notified Floyd it was having a "reduction in force," which allegedly included numerous workers perceived as disabled or too old.

TMPA classified Floyd's diabetes as an impairment, the suit says.

Floyd adds the defendant retained employees who were less experienced at the position he held.

Consequently, he seeks damages no less than $75,000 and a jury trial.

Attorney Jack W. Dillard with The Dillard Law Firm in Bryan is representing the complainant.

Case No. 4:13-CV-383