**Forklift Operator Files Discrimination Complaint Against Action Management Group and Eastek International Corporation**
On May 31, 2024, Olegario Banuelos filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Action Management Group, LLC (AMG) and Eastek International Corporation (EIC). The lawsuit alleges race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981.
Banuelos, a Hispanic forklift operator employed by EIC through AMG's staffing services since October 2023, claims he was subjected to racial remarks and disparate treatment from the outset of his employment. According to the complaint, David Williams, EIC’s Warehouse Manager, frequently made derogatory comments such as “You Mexicans are only good for this,” which were often made in front of co-workers. Banuelos was reportedly the only Hispanic employee in the warehouse.
In December 2023, during a company Christmas party, Banuelos attempted to address these issues with Williams but was met with further hostility. Williams allegedly responded with profanity and more racial slurs. Despite reporting these incidents to AMG in January 2024, Banuelos asserts that no remedial action was taken to address the hostile work environment.
The situation escalated on February 16, 2024, when Banuelos received a text message from his supervisor indicating that his services were no longer needed due to "poor performance." This came despite Banuelos having no prior disciplinary actions and meeting or exceeding performance expectations throughout his tenure. He believes his termination was retaliatory for opposing unlawful discrimination and exercising his protected rights.
Banuelos seeks back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just by the court. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-04549.
The plaintiff is represented by Alexander J. Taylor of Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details regarding the defendants' legal representation have not been disclosed.