The Apple Store in the SoHo section of New York City has reportedly been sued for discrimination by a former employee, who claims that she was unlawfully fired after taking a medical leave. Nicole Sullivan started working for Apple in 2008, and then took a leave in 2009 because of a nervous disorder. Despite being told that Apple wouldn’t learn of her diagnosis, she claims that when she returned to the store, her coworkers clearly knew what had happened. What happened next sounds even more bizarre — she was given a desk in the store’s basement, and when she tried to apply for positions on the store floor, was told that “there were questions about her mental stability.” She’s now suing the company for back pay, benefits, and $300,000 in damages for the alleged discrimination.
Interesting story if true. I haven’t worked at an Apple Store, but I have worked in retail, and I saw enough bizarre interactions between employees and managers that I can believe something like this may have happened. Then again, I am of course not a lawyer, and so I won’t make any predictions on how this will all turn out in court.
Of course, this is likely all the result of some specific manager’s decision, not actual Apple policy. Hopefully the matter will be settled justly and as quickly as possible.
Former Apple Store employee sues for discrimination, claims bizarre ordeal originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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