BEAUMONT - The United Parcel Service was recently hit with a lawsuit alleging the company created an environment that required a employee who complained of sexual harassment to be in close daily contact with the very supervisor who harassed her.
Through The Ferguson Law Firm, Melissa Sonnier filed suit against UPS in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, Sonnier started at UPS in 2016 and for several years worked at the Beaumont facility without any problems or complaints. In 2019, however, she became the subject of ongoing sexual harassment by her new supervisor, who constantly harassed her by making sexual comments and inappropriately touching her.
When she refused the sexual advances, Sonnier was prevented from receiving overtime and denied better hours or a new position.
“Women should feel safe and respected at work, not be subject to constant sexual harassment in the workforce, and employers like UPS should not turn a blind eye to what is happening,” the suit states. “Due to ongoing harassment by her UPS supervisor, Melissa Sonnier now suffers from elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and insomnia (among other things). Ms. Sonnier was also forced to miss several weeks of work, which UPS never paid. Additionally, she missed overtime opportunities because she ignored her supervisor’s sexual advances.
“Ms. Sonnier brings this suit to educate the Defendants on the short- and long-term impact of ongoing sexual harassment in the workplace, and to stop and deter this type of behavior from happening again at UPS.”
Sonnier is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
Ferguson Law attorneys Cody Dishon and Javier Cabanillas represent her.
Case No. D-207795