Man Sues Goodyear for Sex, Disability Discrimination

An employee at Goodyear’s soon to close Tyler, Texas facility is taking legal action against the tyre major, claiming his job was terminated because he is a man. Area manager Cory Harris says that salaried staff at the plant were told they would be able to continue their employment with Goodyear at other facilities. However, while on medical leave for a work-related injury, Harris was told he did not qualify for a job transfer and that his employment at Goodyear would not continue.

According to court papers related to a wrongful termination suit lodged against Goodyear in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas on July 22, Harris believes he was fired in retaliation for his injury and because he is male. Harris states that, at the time the decision was taken, a number of area manager job openings were available at other Goodyear facilities. As evidence, he argues that a less qualified and less experienced female employee retained her employment and secured a transfer to another plant.

Harris is asking the court to find that Goodyear discriminated against him based on disability, prevent Goodyear from engaging in further discrimination. He also seeks reinstatement into his former position. The former area manager also seeks damages for back pay, attorney fees and court costs. He further seeks an award of exemplary damages by arguing his termination was deliberately based on his filing a claim for worker’s compensation benefits.