A former employee has taken legal action against a major food corporation, alleging sex-based harassment and retaliation. On December 30, 2024, Icelene Jackson filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Golden State Foods Corp., accusing them of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The lawsuit details that Jackson, an African American female truck driver employed by Golden State Foods from October 18, 2021, to November 27, 2024, faced discriminatory treatment under her manager Chris Roe starting in July 2024. She claims that she was subjected to different terms and conditions than her male colleagues and endured a hostile work environment due to her sex. According to Jackson, Roe issued six unwarranted write-ups and made aggressive comments such as "You don’t know how to do your job." Furthermore, despite providing medical documentation for sick leave in August 2024, she was penalized with a write-up and subsequently suspended without pay.
Jackson's complaint highlights several incidents where she felt targeted due to her gender. For instance, after reporting discrimination to Human Resources on September 11, 2024, she experienced further retaliation when her work schedule was altered without notice on October 25, 2024. Her start time was changed from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm while a male driver received her earlier shift. Additionally, on November 13, 2024, Jackson suffered an ankle injury at work but faced termination shortly after notifying her supervisor about it.
The plaintiff argues that these adverse actions were motivated by sex-based discrimination and retaliatory animus following her complaints about unlawful conduct. She asserts that Golden State Foods failed to address the hostile work environment fostered by Roe and retaliated against her for engaging in protected activities under Title VII.
Jackson seeks various forms of relief from the court including back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorney fees and costs as well as any other relief deemed just by the court. She also demands a jury trial for all issues presented in the case.
Representing Jackson is Alexander Taylor from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no information about defense attorneys or judges involved in this case is provided within the document. The case is identified as Case No. 1:24-cv-13354.