WINFIELD — A Jackson County man is suing his former employer and a staffing agent, alleging retaliation and unlawful termination.
Joseph Hanes filed a complaint in Putnam Circuit Court against ManpowerGroup US Inc. and Erika Davis, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, during Hanes' employment with defendants from Nov. 30, 2015, until he was terminated Sept. 25, 2017, he was sexually harassed by coworker Jerri Hatfield on multiple occasions. The suit says Hanes was suspended and ultimately terminated for reporting Hatfield's behavior, causing him to suffer lost wages and benefits and mental anguish.
The plaintiff alleges ManpowerGroup US and Davis failed to take remedial actions, subjected Hanes to disparate treatment and hostile work environment and retaliated against him by terminating his employment for reporting violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
Hanes seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages, reinstatement, attorney fees, costs and all appropriate relief. He is represented by attorneys Walt Auvil and Kirk Auvil of The Employment Law Center PLLC in Parkersburg.
Putnam Circuit Court case number 18-C-73