Aramark cashier claims she lost job after telling coworkers to report harassment

A cashier working at Southeastern Louisiana University has filed a lawsuit claiming she was terminated for complaining about her supervisor's alleged inappropriate conduct with other female employees.

Claiming violations of her civil rights, Dorothy Bridgewater filed suit against Aramark Campus on Jan. 19 in federal court in New Orleans.

Bridgewater began working for the defendant in Jan. 11, 2002 as a cashier in the Lion's Den on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University.

She was terminated from her position on Nov. 16, 2009 for allegedly approaching several employees to obtain statements against the Lion's Den manager.

Bridgewater claims she was terminated because she was aware the manager was sexually harassing female employees. She states she told the employees to report the illegal behavior to management.

The defendant is accused of violating Bridgewater's civil rights by terminating her employment in retaliation for having complained about the alleged inappropriate conduct.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for back pay, liquidated damages, front pay, loss of future earnings, punitive damages, an additional $10,000 in compensatory damages, costs and expenses and interest.

Bridgewater is represented by Thomas J. Hogan, Jr. of Hogan & Hogan in Hammond. A jury trial is requested.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00113