A former employee has filed a federal lawsuit against two companies, alleging race-based discrimination and retaliation. Ricky Nelson filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on September 17, 2024, against Aerotek, Inc., and Atkore Management, Inc., doing business as Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation.
Nelson claims that during his employment as a forklift driver at Atkore's distribution center in Harvey, Illinois, he was subjected to discriminatory treatment due to his race. He alleges that from October 24, 2023, until his termination on January 7, 2024, he faced different terms and conditions of employment compared to non-African American employees. According to Nelson, he met or exceeded performance expectations but was still treated unfairly. The complaint states that upon being transferred to the evening shift under supervisor Bill Gorman, who allegedly had a reputation for racism against African American employees, Nelson experienced derogatory remarks and ultimately termination without any prior disciplinary actions or performance criticisms.
Nelson further contends that both Aerotek and Atkore jointly controlled his hiring and firing process. He asserts that despite being vetted by Aerotek for specific skills required by Atkore and having direct supervision from Atkore's managerial staff like Bill Gorman and Greg Vaughn (who trained him), he was terminated based on false allegations of poor work performance. Nelson highlights that seven African American employees were terminated around the same time in January 2024.
The plaintiff seeks redress under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981 for race-based discrimination and retaliation. He is requesting various forms of relief including back pay with interest, front pay with benefits, compensatory damages for emotional distress and pain suffering, punitive damages, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
Representing Ricky Nelson is Mohammed O. Badwan from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while the case will be overseen by Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre under Case No. 1:24-cv-08552.