Employment
Jury finds retaliation, but not discrimination
A woman who was the sole female machinist at a company and claimed discrimination and retaliation was awarded $39,000 on May 23. Carolyn Ruffin worked at Lufkin Industries where she allegedly faced sexual harassment. The court granted the defense a summary judgment on the harassment claim, and the case proceeded to trial on the discrimination and retaliation claims. She had worked for the company a little less than six months. The jury found retaliation, but not discrimination, and the jury awarded no compensatory damages. The court held a hearing on back pay and reinstatement while the jury was out. The court awarded Ruffin $39,000 and reinstatement.
