Male employees fired for violating work rule: Sex discrimination: Verdict

Law Reporter, Jun 2001

EMPLOYMENT LAw

Monarrez v. Ysleta Indep. Sch. Dist., Tex., El Paso County Court of Law No. 5, No. 2000-118, Feb. 8, 2001.

Monarrez, 41, and Rodriguez, 40, were bus mechanics for a school district. Both men were fired after Monarrez "clocked in" for Rodriguez-who did not work on that day-in violation of district policy. They had each been earning approximately $30,000 annually.

Monarrez and Rodriguez sued the school district, alleging sex discrimination. Plaintiffs claimed that at least seven female employees had violated the same policy, but received little or no discipline.

A jury awarded Monarrez $224,500, including $38,500 past wages and $11,000 future wages.

Rodriguez was awarded $249,000, including $34,000 past wages and $40,000 future wages.

Plaintiffs' Counsel

*John A. Wenke, El Paso, Tex.

George P. Andritsos, El Paso, Tex.

Documents in this case are available through the Litigation Resources section in the back of this issue, courtesy of Mr. Wenke.