FRESNO — A Fresno County woman is suing the owners and operators of a local corporation, alleging discrimination and wrongful termination.
Shawna Tom filed a complaint Oct. 6 in Fresno County Superior Court against PB Loader Corporation, Aerotek, Fernando Lazo, Fernando Rangel, and Does 1-10, alleging violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act.
According to the complaint, in August 2015, Tom was hired by the defendants as a temporary associate and worked as a welder. Tom, whose partner is a black woman, says despite performing her work with professionalism and diligence, she was subjected to rude names and harassment from co-employees and supervisors.
As a result, Tom alleges she was terminated from her employment Sept. 19, 2016, and has suffered anxiety and depression due to the verbal attacks that included racial slurs and foul language.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants subjected her to harassment because of her association with a racial minority group, as well as her sex, gender expression and sexual orientation.
Tom seeks trial by jury, general, special, statutory and punitive damages of at least $35,000, court costs, attorney fees, prejudgment interest, and all other proper relief. She is represented by attorneys Kevin G. Little and Robert A. Fuentes of Law Office of Kevin G. Little in Fresno.
Fresno County Superior Court case number 17CECG03390