Andrew Collins filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, alleging that Noble Drilling violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Collins, an African American resident of Harris County, claims that he was subjected to harassment, threats, intimidation, discrimination and disparate treatment because of his race, which caused him embarrassment and emotional distress.

According to the lawsuit, Noble Drilling denied Collins the privileges, benefits, terms and conditions of employment. The complaint alleges that the company retaliated against Collins by transferring him to a less desirable offshore facility after he reported racial and sexual harassment. Noble Drilling threatened Collins with disciplinary action and wrongfully terminated his employment, the lawsuit claims.

Collins seeks back pay including lost wages and benefits, compensatory damages, attorney fees and costs, as well as other relief to which he may be entitled. A trial by jury has been demanded.

Noble Drilling, based in Sugar Land, Texas, operates about 30 drilling rigs, including 14 jackups and 16 semi-submersibles. In 2015, revenue from Shell Oil accounted from 49 percent of the company’s income. The company announced mass layoffs in January 2016.

Gregory D. Jordan is an employment lawyer. To learn more, visit http://www.theaustintriallawyer.com or call 512-419-0684.

Gaspar Salas filed the lawsuit in the Southern District of Texas on June 12.

The lawsuit claims that Salas was hired July 11, 2011 to work as a machinist for GE Oil & Gas. According to the complaint, Salas’ supervisor used derogatory language to criticize his Mexican nationality and his intelligence. The complaint alleges that Salas and other Hispanic employees were disciplined for conduct that other, non-Hispanic workers also engaged in but were not disciplined for.

According to Salas, he reported his supervisor’s behavior to human resources and a manager on eight occasions. He claims that the abuse from his supervisor increased in retaliation for the reports. Salas claims that his supervisor cut his hours and told other employees to find a reason for Salas to be fired.

The lawsuit accuses GE Oil & Gas of discrimination, race discrimination and retaliation — in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The lawsuit seeks a court order enjoining the defendant from unlawful employment practices. In addition, the complaint demands a jury trial and asks for actual, exemplary and treble damages within the court’s jurisdictional limit, attorney’s fees, costs and other relief that the court may deem just.

Gregory D. Jordan is an Austin Oil and Gas lawyer. To learn more, visit http://www.theaustintriallawyer.com or call 512-419-0684.