A former employee has taken legal action against her previous employer, alleging a pattern of racial discrimination and harassment that culminated in her constructive discharge. Nona Cannon filed a complaint on November 26, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against GDI Services, Inc., claiming violations of her civil rights under federal law.
The lawsuit alleges that GDI Services, Inc. engaged in race-based discrimination and harassment against Cannon, an African American woman, during her employment as a janitor from September 2022 until July 5, 2024. According to the complaint, Cannon was subjected to discriminatory treatment after a new supervisor named Mary began working at the company in June 2024. The complaint details an incident where Mary allegedly made racially charged comments about Cannon's appearance and relayed derogatory remarks made by another manager, Carlos Rodriguez. Cannon asserts that these actions created a hostile work environment based on race, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981.
In addition to claims of racial discrimination, Cannon accuses GDI Services of violating the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). She contends that after notifying her supervisor about taking FMLA leave to care for her sick child in late June 2024, she was wrongfully accused of being a no-call no-show and subsequently suspended pending termination. This suspension occurred despite Cannon having sufficient FMLA hours remaining. The complaint argues that this constitutes both interference with her FMLA rights and retaliation for exercising those rights.
Cannon seeks various forms of relief from the court, including back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorney fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just by the court. She also demands a jury trial to resolve these issues.
The case is represented by Alexander J. Taylor from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details regarding defense attorneys are not provided in the document. The case is assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-12222.