A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major supermarket chain, alleging racial and disability discrimination. Eddie Holloway filed the complaint in the Circuit Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on August 16, 2024, against Publix Super Markets, Inc.
According to the court documents, Holloway claims that he was wrongfully terminated from his position at Publix on December 15, 2021. Holloway asserts that his termination was based on his race and disability status, which he believes is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). "Defendant terminated Plaintiff's employment because of his race or because of his disability, or both," reads the complaint.
Holloway's tenure with Publix began on April 10, 2020. He contends that throughout his employment, he faced discriminatory practices that culminated in his unjust dismissal. The complaint details how these alleged actions have caused him significant economic harm through lost income and reduced earning capacity. Additionally, Holloway claims non-economic damages including mental anguish and emotional distress resulting from what he describes as "knowing, intentional, willful and malicious" actions by Publix.
The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief from the court. These include compensatory damages for both past and future economic losses as well as non-economic harms such as emotional distress. Holloway also seeks punitive damages due to what he characterizes as reckless disregard for his rights by Publix. Furthermore, he demands equitable relief in the form of an injunction to prevent further discriminatory practices by Publix and a declaration that his termination was unlawful.
Representing Holloway is attorney Jesse L. Skipper from St. Petersburg, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-003687-ClI.