A former meat cutter is suing her former employer for allegedly tolerating various acts of sexual misconduct and retaliatory termination.
Clarissa Bongiorno filed a lawsuit May 29 in Cook County Circuit Court against Fresh Market Inc., alleging retaliatory discharge and violations of Illinois' Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Bongiorno was hired Nov. 7, 2011, as a meat cutter by Fresh Market to work at its Crystal Lake location and she stayed in the position until terminated at age 54 on June 9, 2014. The suit says Bongiorno suffered various acts of retaliation, sexual harassment and was made to tolerate various sexual jokes and comments during her employment.
Bongiorno seeks: a finding that the defendant violated the law; reinstatement to her former position as well as all back pay and benefits; actual damages; expert witness fees; attorney fees; and court costs. She is represented by attorney James Maher of Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015CH08590.