BUCKHANNON — A former employee is suing Kroger Limited Partnership, a retail food chain operator, citing alleged religious discrimination.
William M. Kerns filed a complaint on July 8 in Upshur Circuit Court against Kroger Limited Partnership, alleging that the retail food chain operator violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that he was treated disparately based upon his religious observance and was forced to quit his job in April 2015. As a result of the defendant's actions, he claims he was caused to suffer losses in compensation, mental anguish, humiliation and emotional distress. The plaintiff holds Kroger Limited Partnership responsible because the defendant allegedly intentionally discriminated against him, failed to accommodate his need for Sunday morning off work and failed to take actions to remedy the situation.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant in an amount that would adequately compensate him, attorneys' fees, costs and expenses, plus whatever relief the court would deem just. He is represented by Erika Klie Kolenich and Karl Kolenich of Klie Law Offices PLLC in Buckhannon.
Upshur Circuit Court Case number 2:16-cv-00059