A female information technology worker for GDF Suez Energy North America Inc. filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming sex discrimination in regard to promotions within the company.
Alicia Thornhill filed the lawsuit October 9 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas. She claims that her employer prevented her from advancing during her eight years of employment, despite less-qualified male employees being promoted to higher positions.
Thornhill claims in the lawsuit that she was hired in May 2005 and is the only woman working in the company’s IT server department. She claims that male employees who were unqualified and inexperienced or who had committed work infractions were promoted ahead of her, even though she had a positive work history.
Thornhill also claims that she has been repeatedly denied the opportunity to receive training that would allow her to advance in her employment. According to the lawsuit, the company granted requests by male employees in the IT department to receive training in various locations across the country, but Thornhill’s requests were not approved or denied outright.
The lawsuit also alleges that Thornhill was held to a different standard of discipline than her male colleagues, who were spared the discipline expected of her.
Thornhill has requested a jury trial.
Gregory D. Jordan is an employment lawyer. To learn more, visit http://www.theaustintriallawyer.com or call 512-419-0684.
