By now you may have heard that on May, 19, 2015, a former employee of the Red Robin Restaurant in Riverstone filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was wrongfully terminated by that restaurant chain after she objected to the firing of one employee and the rejection of an applicant because they were “of color”.
Here is a link to the federal complaint filed by plaintiff Stacie Ward against Red Robin International, Inc. The case was filed in federal district court and assigned case number 2:15-cv-00168-JVL. Ward alleges in the complaint that “The [Coeur d’Alene Red Robin store ] General Manager Reed Faucet (wrongfully) terminated Stacie for cause on or about October 27, 2012. Also present at Stacie’s termination was Alicia DiAgastino, the Assistant General Manager, and by information and belief, Ms. DiAgastino is now General Manager of the Coeur d’Alene store.”
Ward’s complaint states precisely the language allegedly used by the Riverstone Red Robin store’s Assistant General Manager. It also states her allegations of “retaliation and harassment by the management” against Ward.
The complaint informs readers that “Stacie filed a complaint with the Idaho Human Rights Commission/EEOC. The EEOC conducted its investigation, and found probable cause that Red Robin had retaliated against her and issued its Right To Sue letter on February 26, 2015.”
Ward’s legal counsel is Douglas A. Pierce of James, Vernon & Weeks, P.A. in Coeur d’Alene.
OpenCdA wonders why the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations has not vocally and visibly protested the allegations of racial discrimination by one of Coeur d’Alene’s local businesses. This case would certainly generate the publicity and attention that group usually seeks for itself and the City of Coeur d’Alene. What could the reason be?
The task force holds its weekly meetings there?
The task force members like to eat there?
RRobin has clean restrooms and clean restrooms are hard to find along the centennial trail?
RRobin is a ‘sustaining’ contributor to the task force?
The task force members are on vacation?
The task force members are out to lunch (at the RRobin)?
A person/corporation is innocent until proven guilty? (nope can’t be that)
It (the story) was reported on a Tuesday?
RRobin management personnel don’t have shaved heads so they are hard to identify?
It is just another day in paradise?
Comment by Tributary — May 21, 2015 @ 8:52 am
From what I know, the Task Force responds to complaints. If Ms. Ward didn’t approach the Task Force, then how would they know? Or, another explanation: She did approach the Task Force and they immediately directed her to contact the Feds.
I’ve heard of many examples of the Task Force dealing with an issue and not making big smoke over it.
Comment by Dan Gookin — May 21, 2015 @ 10:35 am
Dan,
The Task Force would also know if either of the two men approached it to complain. Ms. Ward’s allegation is wrongful termination after exposing what she believed were prohibited employment practices; theirs would be termination or denial of employment based on a prohibited factor. We don’t know from the information provided so far if either, both, or neither man lodged a complaint.
Given her long employment history with Red Robin and her level of responsibility in the Coeur d’Alene store, it seems improbable that Ms. Ward would not already be well aware of the EEOC and its complaint process. Most national chain and franchise companies like that have a bulletin board in the employee areas where required and informational labor-related material (DoL, EEOC, etc.) are posted.
Comment by Bill — May 21, 2015 @ 1:36 pm
Okay, I am going to say it.
I have lived in Idaho almost all of my life, but I have lived within communities that are rich with diversify. I am so sick of offending minorities because I live in Idaho, because I live here and live in diversity every day. I have always made the same wages with any other minority and I have also felt like one. Idaho just needs to get over it or they are setting this area up for lawsuits for no reason. Kiss those greedy lawyers GOOD- BYE!`
Comment by Stebbijo — May 21, 2015 @ 6:05 pm
I find it curious that people seem to have a problem with the work the KCTFHR does.
Dan is right, unless someone brings a case to the HCTFHR they are not going to know about it. Did any of the people involved state they had reported the problem?
I remember bystanders questioning why it took so long to get to a fire, when I asked who had reported it they all shut up.
Since the suit has already been filed what else do you expect the KCTFHR to do?
Comment by Mike Teague — May 22, 2015 @ 11:12 am
Mike,
I was making an observation and asking a question.
Ms. Ward is obviously and correctly taking the most appropriate action that gives her the best opportunity for relief for her allegedly wrongful termination. She is far more likely to get whatever remedy, if any is appropriate and available, by following administratively and statutorily prescribed procedures. She and her attorney were very wise to file her complaint in federal court under the appropriate federal statutes than to have filed in Idaho’s First Judicial District and seek remedy under state law.
Comment by Bill — May 22, 2015 @ 12:07 pm