LOUISIANA RECORD

NEW ORLEANS – An ex-employee of Wyndham is suing over what he believes to be a wrongful termination due to his age, religion and national origin.

Marc Cohen filed suit against Wyndham Vacation Ownership Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Dec. 13, 2013.

Marc Cohen began working for Wyndham in 1990 and transferred in 2008 to help set up the new Wyndham location in New Orleans. Based on his 18 years of experience in sales, he requested the manager position, but was not promoted and the job was given instead to a younger and less experienced employee, the suit claims. Under the new management, Cohen claims he began to have his responsibilities taken away, which reduced his income. Cohen asserts that employees were constantly making prejudicial comments towards his age and religion. Cohen is 66, was born in Israel, and Jewish. He alleges that he was not allowed to observe the Sabbath anymore. He took his complaints to the Human Resources Director Karen Sarvich. Shortly thereafter, on March 21, 2012, he was terminated.

The suit alleges Cohen filed a complaint with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but Wyndham refused to undergo mediation to resolve the complaint. The EEOC issued a notice of right to sue within 90 days on Sept. 28, 2013.

Wyndham filed for removal to the Eastern District Court of Louisiana because the claims allege violations of federal law and the plaintiff and defendants are citizens of different states, making this court the improper venue.

Cohen is represented by attorney Rachel M. Yazbeck.

Wyndham is represented by attorney René E. Thorne.

Case is assigned to Division D Judge Lloyd J. Medley.

Case no. 2013-11894.