Two former employees of Friendly Honda in Poughkeepsie who claim they were not rehired due to racial discrimination are suing dealership owner Friendly Auto Corp.
That's according to a four-page complaint from Reginald Edwards, a Black man, and Rafael Rodriguez, a Latino man, filed last week in Southern District of New York Federal District Court.
The two were among 18 salespeople at the Friendly Honda in Poughkeepsie who were terminated in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the suit filed by New Paltz Attorney Christopher Watkins. However, most of these employees were re-hired when the business opened in May, the document claims.
"By early June 2020, it had re-hired all of the terminated salespeople, except for plaintiffs and one white Jewish salesperson who had far fewer sales than the plaintiffs," the complaint reads. "...Plaintiffs had greater seniority than many of the re-hired salespeople, far greater experience in auto sales and had consistently been among the highest-grossing salespeople..."
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Matthew R. Simpson, representing Friendly Auto Group, said in an email the company "does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.
"The dealership has not yet been served with the complaint and therefore cannot address any specific allegations at this time," Simpson said
Watkins told the Journal Monday he expects the company to be served with the lawsuit this week. The suit alleges Friendly Honda has a "long history of not employing people of color," since it opened in 1973.
The complaint asks for a jury to hear and decide action in the case, compensatory damages, including damages for lost pay and benefits, punitive damages, attorney fees and to be reinstated to their positions.
What are the allegations?
Edwards and Rodriguez claim remarks were made at their expense by the dealership's general manager on multiple occasions. Alleged examples listed in the complaint include the manger lifting his hands in the air and saying "I don't have anything," and telling other employees in proximity to "Watch your wallet" when walking past the plaintiffs.
The complaint also claims the general sales manager and general manager allowed customers to request a white salesperson in place of a Rodriguez or Edwards.
"This case ties in two of the major issues going on currently," Watkins said Monday. "One is obviously the COVID pandemic and the toll that it has taken economically and health-wise on so many people. As well as the heightened awareness to the fact that racism continues to exist and permeate our society, including in the workplace."
Ryan Santistevan: rsantistev@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4809; Twitter: @NewsByRyan_.
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Ex-Friendly Honda employees allege racial discrimination in lawsuit - Poughkeepsie Journal
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