A man alleges two companies are guilty of racial discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and creation of a hostile work environment.
Melvin Hewitt, who is Black, filed his federal lawsuit against Triad Electric & Controls Inc. and The Newtron Group LLC.
According to the complaint, Hewitt was hired as an electrical worker collectively by Triad and Newtron in February 2022 and assigned a job in Montana. He says he was laid off in April 2022 due to what the companies claimed was a reduction of force. A foreman at Triad, Miguel Rosales, allegedly told Hewitt that he was laid off because Rosales did not like him. Hewitt was rehired by Triad/Newtron in May 2022.
Hewitt claims he experienced blatant and obvious discrimination based on his race during his employment with the companies. He also claims to have suffered repeated harassment, such as being told he should be "picking cotton," and endured a hostile and abusive work environment.
The complaint says Hewitt had submitted a Charge of Discrimination to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on January 13, 2023. The EEOC issued a Determination and Notice of Rights on October 26, 2023, which dismissed the charge but granted Hewitt the right to sue.
Hewitt is seeking damages for the alleged harm he suffered due to these discriminatory practices.