Two former employees have filed a lawsuit against one of the world's largest retail corporations, alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. Emmanuel Gonzalez and Arielle Jarreau filed their complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on August 12, 2024, accusing Walmart Inc. of violating multiple federal civil rights laws.
The plaintiffs, Emmanuel Gonzalez and Arielle Jarreau, both allege that during their employment at Walmart's Robert, Louisiana location, they were subjected to discriminatory practices based on their race and ethnicity. Gonzalez began his employment with Walmart on December 19, 2022, while Jarreau started on January 2, 2023. Both claim that despite being exemplary employees—Gonzalez was recognized for his outstanding performance—they faced harassment and unjust treatment from management.
Gonzalez recounts an incident on June 22, 2023, when he used his Personal Paid Time Off (PPTO) to leave work early. As he was leaving the store, Manager Jacob harassed him by loudly declaring disbelief in his use of PPTO hours. Despite providing evidence to support his claim, Gonzalez continued to face harassment from Jacob. The following week, he discovered erroneous points added to his attendance record due to this incident. When he raised concerns with General Manager Eugene and requested a review of security footage—which confirmed no violations—the points were not corrected nor was any disciplinary action taken against Jacob. Subsequently, Gonzalez was terminated on June 27, 2023.
Similarly, Jarreau alleges she faced discriminatory practices culminating in her termination on the same day as Gonzalez. On June 14, 2023, she sustained an injury while operating a forklift at work and reported it immediately. Despite following protocol and returning to work with a doctor's note the next day without issue, she was later informed that she had accumulated points for absences covered by her PPTO. During her termination meeting with Manager Brett and Jacob on June 27th—who dismissed verifying her attendance records—she was told her termination was due to excessive absences/tardiness.
Both plaintiffs assert that their terminations were racially motivated and part of a broader pattern of discrimination within Walmart's operations. They allege that Caucasian employees were not subjected to similar scrutiny or punitive measures under comparable circumstances.
The plaintiffs are seeking several forms of relief from the court: back pay for lost wages due to wrongful termination; front pay; compensatory damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; attorney’s fees; costs associated with the lawsuit; pre-judgment interest; post-judgment interest; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing the plaintiffs is Christopher A. Minias from The Minias Law Firm in New Orleans. The case has been assigned Civil Action No. 2:24-cv-01985 in front of Judge [Name].