Discrimination in the workplace is never legal. Whether that discrimination is based on gender, religion, sexual orientation or race, it is important that employees who face discrimination stand up for their legal rights. This may include filing a lawsuit against the offending party.
In December 2011 an extramarital affair between Minnesota’s Michael Brodkorb and Amy Koch became public. At the time, Brodkorb was the Communications Director of the Senate Republicans and Koch was the Senate Majority Leader. The discovery led to Koch’s resignation and to Brodkorb’s firing. Brodkorb is now fighting back against his loss of employment with a federal wrongful termination lawsuit. He is asking for more than $500,000 in damaged. Interestingly, the lawsuit hangs on claims of gender discrimination and past precedent.
Brodkorb claims that many female staffers kept their jobs despite their involvement in relationships with legislators and he has a list to allegedly prove it. Recently, his attorneys mistakenly filed this list with the court. The list includes names of lawmakers and staffers who have allegedly engaged in affairs over the last 30 years and kept their jobs. A professional in the area of employment law doubts whether this list will carry any clout, however, as many of the relationships listed took place under different circumstances. Additionally, the list does not include any evidence to prove the accusations.
If you are facing gender discrimination in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and other damages. A lawyer may be of assistance in this area.
Source: Fix News, “Fired Minnesota Senate aide spells out other affairs in wrongful termination lawsuit,” July 12, 2013