A self-described "butch lesbian" bartender has filed suit against Red Lobster, claiming the restaurant chain should pay after her general manager allegedly discriminated against her and fired her, allegedly in retaliation for complaining about alleged workplace safety violations.
Plaintiff Nora Nunez filed suit in San Francisco County Superior Court on Feb. 22.
According to the complaint, Nunez had worked at the restaurant for over 11 years. She alleges that the discrimination began when a new general manager, identified as Michael Waller, began to oversee the restaurant.
Waller is also named as a defendant. According to the complaint, Nunez accuses Waller of allegedly targeting her because of her sexual orientation and gender expression.
According to the complaint, Nunez was suspended without pay, allegedly following her complaints about alleged discrimination and whistleblowing on OSHA protocol breaches.
According to the complaint, she was allegedly terminated without explanation shortly after filing a workers' compensation claim for stress-related issues caused by her alleged working conditions.
The plaintiff is seeking unspecified damages for alleged economic losses, compensatory damages and punitive damages, plus attorney fees.
Nunez is represented in the action by attorney Chambord Benton-Hayes, of Benton Employment Law, of Oakland.