NEW ORLEANS – A Lafourche Parish woman claims her employer, Offshore Service Vessels, fired her when she complained of gender discrimination.
Roslyn Washington filed a lawsuit Jan. 15 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Offshore Service Vessels LLC, alleging gender discrimination and retaliation.
According to the complaint, Washington began working for the defendant on Aug. 20, 2013, first as a cook, then a year later as a wiper aboard the Akira. Two weeks into the new assignment, Washington claims her supervisor told her she would not be allowed to perform her new role because she was a woman. She was later transferred to the Carol Chouest in September 2014, the complaint states.
After she was transferred to another vessel, the Christian, in May, the suit says Washington was harassed by a male supervisor, which allegedly included cursing, yelling and other hostile actions. In addition, other crew members allegedly criticized Washington’s appearance, advising her not wear makeup or frilly clothes. The complaint states she was later terminated purportedly because of lack of work, but Washington alleges that male employees that had been previously disciplined for poor work performance were retained.
Washington seeks a jury trial, punitive and compensatory damages, and legal expenses. She is represented by attorney Christopher L. Williams of Williams Litigation LLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-00368