ORLANDO – An Orange County transgender woman alleges she was discriminated against by her former employer.
Adonnis L. Balkum filed a complaint on June 7 in the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Orange County against Pier 1 Imports (US) Inc. citing the Florida Civil Rights Act and the Florida Private-Sector Whistleblower Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff was employed by the defendant as a sales associate from Jan. 12, 2015, to Feb. 1, 2016. She alleges that she raised concerns with management that other sales associates were given higher starting wage rates than she was. The suit states after these concerns were raised, she was scheduled to work less and was not permitted to compete online training.
The plaintiff holds Pier 1 Imports (US) Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly treated her less favorably than similarly situated employees and because she engaged in protected activities.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant, award damages, back pay, reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages, declaratory and injunctive relief. She is represented by Keith L. Hammond of Law Office of Keith L. Hammond PA in Orlando.
9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Orange County case number 17-C-5213