HOUSTON – A husband and wife have filed suit against their former employer over allegations the wife was subjected to sexual harassment by a co-worker.
Ellie Stafford and James Stafford filed a complaint on March 12 in the Harris County District Court against Austin Industrial Inc. alleging retaliation, harassment and gender discrimination.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs were both employees of the defendant. The suit states Ellie Stafford worked as a materials expediter and she was sexually harassed by a manager. The plaintiffs allege their complaints about the manager were ignored and they requested that the defendant lay them off in December 2016 because of the harassment.
The plaintiffs hold Austin Industrial Inc. responsible because the Ellie Stafford was allegedly subjected to unwelcome harassment from her co-worker based on her gender, the defendant allegedly discriminated against them and constructively terminated their employment in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek monetary relief of more than $1 million and such other and further relief to which they are entitled. They are represented by John F. Melton of The Melton Law Firm PLLC in Austin.
Harris County District Court case number 2018-16307