GRETNA – A former employee of a railway company is suing after he was allegedly denied a promotion based on several demerits, but claims the actual reason was his race.
Derrrick Byrd filed suit against Illinois Central Railroad Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on July 18.
Byrd contends he was awarded a promotion to regional safety officer on Aug. 1, 2013, but shortly afterward he was notified that the promotion had been denied due to a letter of reprimand from the previous year and four failed efficiency tests. The plaintiff claims that two of the allegedly failed efficiency tests were for radio procedures, but neither his supervisor or trainmaster could tell him what he had done wrong when asked. Byrd alleges that he was denied the promotion based on illegal racial discrimination, as he was the only African-American yardmaster, and he filed such a claim with the human resources department as well as a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The defendant is accused of violating the plaintiff’s rights.
An unspecified amount in damages are sought by the plaintiff.
Byrd is represented by Gregory J. Miller of Baton Rouge-based Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf.
The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.
Case no. 740-469.
Railway employee files racial discrimination lawsuit over loss of promotion
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