In a significant legal move, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against a multinational corporation, alleging discrimination and wrongful termination. Axel Santana lodged the complaint on October 11, 2024, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, accusing Tenaris Bay City, Inc. of various discriminatory practices.
The case revolves around Santana's employment with Tenaris Bay City, Inc., where he worked as a Premium Threading Operator since November 2021. According to the petition, Santana suffered injuries from a motor vehicle accident in January 2023 that necessitated medical accommodations for his neck, back, and shoulder impairments. The complaint alleges that instead of accommodating these needs, Tenaris demanded that Santana take leave or face termination—a stark contrast to how non-Puerto Rican employees were treated under similar circumstances.
Santana claims that this refusal to accommodate was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of discrimination based on his national origin as a Puerto Rican. He cites instances where other employees received accommodations without issue and accuses the company of retaliating against him for requesting necessary adjustments by ultimately terminating his employment on November 2, 2023.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action under the Texas Labor Code's Chapter 21, including disability discrimination for failing to engage in an interactive process and provide reasonable accommodations. Additionally, it charges Tenaris with national origin discrimination and retaliation for engaging in protected activities related to his disability.
Santana seeks comprehensive relief from the court: compensatory damages exceeding $200,000 but less than $1 million; reinstatement; back pay; front pay; punitive damages; and coverage of attorney fees and costs associated with the case. The petition emphasizes that these damages are necessary due to the emotional distress and reputational harm Santana has endured.
Represented by attorney Chukwudi Egbuonu from Houston's Law Office of Chukwudi Egbuonu, Santana aims to hold Tenaris accountable for what he describes as "arbitrary and capricious acts" leading to severe personal and professional harm. The case is presided over by Judge Jarod Stirrup under Case ID 2024-71000 in Harris County's 133rd Judicial District Court.