Greene County veteran sues over alleged discrimination
A National Guard veteran from Greene County sued his former employer over alleged harassment and discrimination stemming from his medical condition.
On Monday, attorney Michael J. Bruzzese filed a complaint in federal court, claiming his client, William Bupka of Carmichaels, was harassed and denied promotions at the Waynesburg location of TechnipFMC because of an anxiety disorder Bupka developed after serving in Afghanistan as a member of the Army National Guard.
Shortly after beginning his employment with TechnipFMC, Bupka advised his manager about his condition, according to the suit.
However, Bruzzese alleged in the complaint that Bupka was denied promotions for which he was qualified multiple times.
Bupka also was allegedly the subject of verbal, mental and physical abuse by a manager who made inappropriate gestures around him, gave him menial tasks, verbally berated him in front of co-workers and placed Bupka in a noisy and loud area that caused Bupka’s symptoms to become worse over time.
Bupka resigned from the company in September 2017, but Bruzzese contended he was constructively discharged.
The suit seeks various damages and legal fees.