HOUSTON – A nurse working in Shell's health department alleges she was denied a severance package because she is a female.
Marilyn Roach filed a complaint Aug. 3 in Harris County District Court against Shell USA Inc., alleging violation of the Texas Labor Code.
Roach, a 63-year old, worked for Shell as an RN in Houston for 31 years, according to her complaint. She claims that in May of 2020, Shell announced a Selective Voluntary Severance plan in which eligible employees would receive one and a half years salary as severance if they voluntarily retired. Roach further claims that in 2014, she became eligible to retire but decided to stay in her position to help the company's health department through a transition period.
She alleges that she chose to retire in July of 2020, and was entitled to a $220,000 severance amount according to Shell's severance plan. Roach claims Shell denied her severance application yet awarded a male RN coworker and other male coworkers with less seniority the severance package. She further claims Shell denied her severance, compensation and privileges because she was a female and that she was discriminated against due to her sex.
Roch seeks monetary relief, interest and all other just relief. She is represented by Attorney Scott Newar of in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-46817