$3M sexual discrimination, retaliation award given to WNC woman who sued textile company

RUTHERFORDTON - A jury has awarded a former female employee of a Rutherford County textile plant $3 million for sexual discrimination and retaliation.

The Rutherford Superior Court jury reached the decision April 29 in favor of Rycki K. Allen following claims against Everest Textile USA LLC in Forest City, according to her attorney, John Hunter of Asheville. Allen is seeking other damages, such as back pay, reinstatement or front pay and attorney fees, Hunter said.

Everest has filed a motion asking for a new trial or to amend or alter the judgement, according to staff with the clerk of superior court. A post-trial hearing was being held May 6.

Allen was hired in 2017 and became supervisor of the dye and finish department, according to her May 24 complaint. She said she was fired and had pay and vacation time stripped after she pushed back against a male production floor manager who refused to let two female employees work in the finish area, calling it a "men only department."

Read more: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2021/05/07/north-carolina-woman-wins-sexual-discrimination-retaliation-lawsuit-everest-textile-usa/4971401001/
(Asheville Citizen-Times)