MARSHALL — An African-American Texas man is suing his former employer, alleging discrimination, retaliation and constructive termination.
Willie Henry Jr. filed a complaint Dec. 20, in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, alleging violation of the Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, during Henry's employment with Pilgrim's Pride that started in October 2011 he was subjected to unlawful discrimination, retaliation and constructive termination for reporting discrimination with the EEOC. The suit says he suffered lost wages and benefits.
The plaintiff alleges Pilgrim’s Pride failed to take corrective actions and allowed the discriminatory practices to continue, even after a supervisor told Henry that he "didn't like black people."
Henry seeks trial by jury, compensation for all past and future lost wages and benefits, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs of court, plus all other appropriate relief. He is represented by attorneys Brent L. Watkins and Scott C. Skelton of Skelton Slusher Barnhill Watkins Wells PLLC in Lufkin.
Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case number 2:16-cv-01433