A lawsuit has been filed alleging serious racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace, shedding light on the challenges faced by employees of color. On October 17, 2024, Michael Gosa filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Flavorchem Corporation and RHM, LLC. The case accuses these companies of race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Michael Gosa, an African American employee residing in DuPage County, Illinois, claims that during his tenure as a Warehouse Associate/Forklift Operator from February to July 2024, he was subjected to a hostile work environment due to his race. According to the complaint, Gosa was employed by RHM Staffing Solutions and placed with Flavorchem Corporation. He alleges that both companies jointly controlled his employment terms and conditions. Gosa's accusations are supported by incidents involving derogatory remarks made by a coworker named Emmanuel Fernandez. In April 2024, Fernandez allegedly began making racially charged comments such as "people like you (African American employees) won’t last here long." Despite reporting these incidents to both companies' managements two weeks before his termination, no action was taken against Fernandez.
Gosa's complaint further states that he was unlawfully terminated on July 2, 2024, under the pretext of displaying "signs of aggression," following an incident where he pushed a box out of frustration due to ongoing discrimination. The plaintiff argues that this termination was retaliatory for opposing unlawful discrimination and exercising his protected rights. He asserts that there is a basis for employer liability for the race-based harassment he endured.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court including back pay with interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just by the court. The plaintiff demands a jury trial to address all issues presented in this case.
Representing Michael Gosa is attorney Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-10689 but does not yet list specific judges involved.