Erik Diaz has filed a compelling lawsuit against his former employer, alleging serious violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). On March 28, 2025, Diaz submitted his complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, accusing AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc. of both interference with his FMLA rights and retaliatory termination.
According to the complaint, Erik Diaz was employed as a Yard Spotter by AAA Cooper Transportation from May 13, 2023, until his alleged unlawful termination on March 5, 2025. His role involved moving trailers and containers to ensure smooth operations at freight terminals. Despite receiving satisfactory feedback on his performance throughout his tenure, Diaz's relationship with his employer soured when he began utilizing intermittent FMLA leave in December 2024 to care for his daughter with a significant physical impairment. The lawsuit details how Diaz's need for protected leave was met with resistance rather than support from AAA Cooper Transportation. He claims that after notifying his Terminal Manager Brian Riordan about taking necessary time off due to his daughter's deteriorating health on February 6, 2025, he faced dismissive responses and lack of acknowledgment from management.
The situation escalated when Diaz was placed on unpaid suspension on February 24, 2025, under allegations of a no-call, no-show despite having communicated his need for leave. As per the complaint, when Diaz informed HR representative Cheryl Hatcher about these issues on March 5th and received confirmation that termination during FMLA leave was not permissible, he was nonetheless terminated the following day by another HR representative named Andy. This abrupt dismissal is presented as evidence of AAA Cooper Transportation's unlawful interference and retaliation against Diaz’s exercise of FMLA rights.
In response to these grievances, Erik Diaz seeks multiple forms of relief from the court. He demands back pay with interest and compensation for lost benefits alongside compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress suffered due to the alleged wrongful actions by AAA Cooper Transportation. Additionally, he requests coverage for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred during this legal battle.
Representing Erik Diaz in this case is Peyton M. Paschke from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no specific attorneys are listed for AAA Cooper Transportation at this stage. The case is identified under Case ID: 1:25-cv-03345.