FRESNO — A Fresno County man is suing a local business, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination.
Mohamed Hersi, a yard driver, filed a complaint Oct. 26 in Fresno County Superior Court against Stericycle Inc., alleging violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.
According to the complaint, Hersi began working for Stericylce on Dec. 29, 2016. He says in February 2017, he complained to the defendant about the harassment to which he was subjected by his coworkers. Hersi says his coworkers and immediate supervisor shunned him, would not speak to him, avoided assisting him with any tasks and that he experienced unjust criticism due to his Ethiopian descent.
After his complaint, the suit says, Hersi was notified that he was terminated from his employment April 28, 2017. As a result, Hersi says he suffered emotional distress, lost wages and embarrassment.
The plaintiff alleges Stericycle failed to provide employment conditions and relationships where an employee could safely work free from discrimination and harassment and failed to respond adequately or effectively to an employee's complaints of discrimination and harassment.
Hersi seeks trial by jury, general damages, special, exemplary and punitive damages, reinstatement to his job, costs of suit, attorney fees and all other relief the court deems just and proper. He is represented by attorneys Shelley G. Bryant and Amanda B. Whitten of Bryant Whitten, LLP in Fresno.
Fresno County Superior Court case number 17CECG03691