Worker sues ConocoPhillips claiming race and age discrimination

NEW ORLEANS - A former ConocoPhillips worker has filed a lawsuit claiming he was terminated because of race and age discrimination.

Ramon Fernandez filed suit against ConocoPhillips Co. on Oct. 1 in federal court in New Orleans.

Fernandez began his employment with ConocoPhillips in June 1992 as an operator. Throughout his employment, he states he experienced a hostile work environment, specifically, discriminatory comments based on race, color and national origin.

On March 13, 2011, Fernandez was terminated for spilling a negligible amount of water into the API Separator. He claims that Caucasian workers had committed similar or more severe offenses, but were afforded due process in the investigation procedure and were not terminated.

The defendant is accused of violating Fernandez's civil rights by terminating him and subjecting him to harassment based on his race and age.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of back pay, interest, bonuses, pension, lost benefits, compensatory damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of reputation, embarrassment, humiliation, punitive damages, court costs, and attorney's fees.

Fernandez is represented by Bryce G. Murray of Bryce Murray in Metairie and Charles W. Dittmer Jr. of Law Office of Charles Dittmer in Metairie. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-02416