LAFAYETTE - Angela Melancon filed a federal complaint on October 25 in the Western District of Louisiana against Lafayette General Medical Center, Inc d/b/a Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center for unlawful retaliation.
According to the complaint, in December 2020, Defendant posted a job vacancy for the Security/Safety/Emergency Prep Manager’s position. The position description posted was identical to the task and responsibilities then currently performed by Melancon, she says.
On February 21, 2021, Defendant hired Donnie Simon to become Director of Security/Safety/Emergency Prep of the health system and Melancon's supervisor. Melancon was required to train Simon for six months as he began the position, and during that time, it is alleged that Simon raved to his supervisor about Melancon's dedication and expertise in carrying out her job responsibilities and her responsiveness, the suit says.
On July 8, 2021, without lawful reason, explanation or justification, the defendant allegedly adversely altered the terms and conditions of her employment and threatened Melancon with termination. Defendant's adverse employment action was alleged to be due to a failure to demonstrate several elements of Defendant’s standards of behavior when responding to or addressing an employee calling in ill.
Melancon seeks general and equitable relief, cost of suit and attorney's fees. Melancon is represented by G. Karl Bernard.
U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana Lafayette Division case number 6:21-cv-03752-RRS-CBW