After losing her job shortly after ending a relationship with her supervisor, an Ascension Parish woman is suing her former employer for alleged sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
Robyn Lockwood filed suit against Excel Maintenance Services Inc. and Nalco Co. on Feb. 25 in federal court in New Orleans.
Lockwood began employment at Excel Maintenance Services in January 2009 as a firewatch at the Nalco Co. facility in Scott, La. She was promoted to Nalco's Garyville site to develop and administer a project. A couple of months into her new position, Lockwood began working under a new site supervisor. She states this new supervisor persisted in asking her on dates and eventually, they began a consensual intimate relationship, the suit claims.
In early 2010, Lockwood ended the relationship, the suit claims. She claims in retaliation her supervisor began reassigning her to other job duties, setting her up for failure in an effort to get her fired.
Lockwood argues that the actions constituted unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment on the basis of gender.
According to the complaint, she complained to management employees and she was fired approximately a week later.
Lockwood is asking for an award of damages, court costs, interest and attorney's fees.
Lockwood is represented by Shelly D. Dick and Amanda G. Clark of Forrester & Dick in Baton Rouge. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-00468
Woman sues employer after losing her job due to ending relationship
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