HOUSTON — A Houston woman is suing Wells Fargo Bank, alleging gender discrimination.
Rochelle Sims filed a lawsuit Nov. 1, in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Wells Fargo Bank NA, alleging violation of the Equal Pay Act.
According to the complaint, Sims, a black female store manager with Wells Fargo's predecessor Wachovia, was paid less than her male subordinate and less than all the store managers in her district. The suit says Sims was demoted from her position and replaced by her subordinate.
As a result, the lawsuit states, Sims began to suffer stress and anxiety. The plaintiff alleges Wells Fargo Bank discriminated by paying her substantially less than her male colleagues, never addressed her complaints, demoted her and threatened to terminate her if she did not accept the demotion.
Sims seeks trial by jury, reinstatement to her position as store manager, compensatory damages, punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees and costs of court, plus all other relief. She is represented by attorneys Alfonso Kennard Jr. and Ronald E. Dupree of Kennard Richard PC in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case number 4:16-cv-03212