Worker claims she was wrongfully fired for missing work while in jail

A cook who was fired after missing a few days of work while in jail on drug and traffic violation charges, claims her civil rights were violated.

Sandra Leger filed suit against against Quality Preheat and Pressure Washers on Jan. 12 in the LaFourche Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Jan. 31.

She claims that during her employment, she suffered numerous episodes of sexual harassment and discrimination due to her gender, race and color.

According to her complaint, Leger was arrested for reckless operation of her vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled substances in October 2008 and stayed in jail for two days.

Leger states that immediately upon her arrest, she contacted her employer and requested several days off to take care of personal problems. She claims her operations manager said that her job would be there when she got back. However, when she returned to work, she was told she was terminated for missing three days from work.

Leger claims that she was wrongfully terminated and her reasons for termination were fabricated. She states she was continually harassed, embarrassed and discriminated against because she refused to perform sexual favors for her supervisors.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for embarrassment and humiliation, loss of reputation and standing in the community, mental anguish, stress, physical trauma, economic loss, interest and court costs.

Leger is represented by Thibodaux attorney Michael S. Zerlin.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00206