A federal court jury returned a unanimous $887,621 verdict in favor of Jerome, Idaho resident Juan Ricardo Garcia in his discrimination case against his former employers PSI Environmental Systems and Waste Connections, Inc.
From Press Release:
Waste Connections, Inc., owns solid waste disposal companies throughout the United States including in Twin Falls & Idaho Falls. Mr. Garcia worked for Waste Connections at its Twin Falls facility (PSI Environmental Systems) as a trash truck mechanic from 2005 to 2007. In his suit, Mr. Garcia claimed that, because he was Hispanic, he was passed over for multiple promotions, paid unfairly and denied pay increases, and was otherwise subjected to adverse employment actions like being moved to the night shift, disciplined and denied the "lead" mechanic position.
Of the verdict, the jury awarded $700,000.00 in punitive damages against the companies. The jury also found Mr. Garcia was entitled to $63,621.00 in lost wages due to the companies' failure to promote him to a maintenance manager position in May 2007, and $125,000.00 in emotional distress damages because of the discrimination. Mr. Garcia began pursuing this civil rights case back in February of 2008, shortly after he left PSI. Mr. Garcia said, "After feeling shut-out and ignored by these companies for seven long years, I cannot describe how happy I am to have my voice heard."
For further information, please contact:
Erika Birch or Rachel Otto
208-336-1788