Florida Franchise Restaurant Sued For National Origin Discrimination

According to a report from Law.com, a Florida Denny’s franchise location is being sued for national origin discrimination by a former employee. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. RREMC, LLC, D/B/A Denny’s Restaurant has been filed in the United States District Court of the Middle District of Florida. In this article, you will find a more detailed overview of the complaint and an explanation of national origin discrimination.

Allegations: Employee of Mexican Origin Subject to Racial Slurs, Later Terminated 

The named plaintiff, Juan Perez, took a job as a server at a Denny’s restaurant location in Brandon, Florida in 2013. Mr. Perez is of Mexican national origin. According to the complaint filed by the EEOC, Mr. Perez received racial and ethnic slurs based on his national origin while working at the Denny’s location between 2016 and 2019. Further, the complaint alleges that the severe and pervasive nature of the national origin-based harassment created a hostile work environment.

In March and April of 2019, Mr. Perez took action. He reported the harassment to his immediate supervisors. In August of 2019, Mr. Perez was terminated from his position at the company. The EEOC contends that the termination of this employee was in retaliation for the fact that he reported national origin discrimination. The EEOC is seeking all appropriate remedies, including back pay and reinstatement.

 National Origin Discrimination is Prohibited Under Federal and State Law

 As an employee, you should not be treated any less favorably than co-workers or other job applicants based on your national origin. Federal and state labor laws provide legal protections against national origin discrimination. Employees in Florida may have rights under:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin. The lawsuit that was filed by the EEOC against the Brandon, FL Denny’s restaurant alleges a breach of Title VII. This federal law applies to employees with 15 or more employees.
• Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992: The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (FCRA) also bars discriminatory treatment on the basis of national origin. The FCRA applies to employers in Florida with 15 or more employees. Similar to federal law, Florida law protects covered employees against discrimination on the basis of national origin and harassment (hostile work environment) on the basis of national origin. 

Notably, you are protected against national origin discrimination regardless of your actual national origin or your actual ethnic background. If you are a racial minority who is of American national origin, you could still be subject to discrimination on the basis of national origin. 

Get Help From a National Origin Discrimination Attorney in Florida 

There are state and federal labor regulations in place to protect workers against discrimination due to their actual or perceived national origin. If you or your family member was the victim of national origin discrimination, contact an experienced Florida employment lawyer for immediate help.