Dollar General fired N.J. worker with learning disability for being ‘too slow,’ lawsuit says

An Ocean County gentleman with a learning disability and wellness issues has filed suit versus the Dollar Basic Company, saying he was fired from the Issue Enjoyable retailer for staying “too slow” at his job as a stocking clerk.

Eric Sica, 38, of Brick, explained in courtroom papers he disclosed throughout his position interview that he was born with spinal meningitis, a severe health-related condition brought on by an an infection of the fluid membranes surrounding the brain and spinal wire.

The affliction led to lifelong learning disabilities, hearing decline and eyesight impairment, according to the lawsuit submitted April 14 in Outstanding Court docket in Ocean County.

Sica mentioned he wrote on his position software that he gets Social Security gains owing to his disabilities, could get the job done confined several hours just about every 7 days and was not able to do the job shifts that essential him to travel at night because of his vision challenges.

Shortly after he was employed on Oct. 30, 2020, Sica claims his supervisor started discriminating against him dependent on his documented disabilities.

“You’re far too sluggish,” the manager allegedly told him continuously as he stocked shelves. “You’re having also prolonged. It shouldn’t get that very long.”

Sica instructed the supervisor “he was performing the ideal he could” and that he usually done his duties, in accordance to the lawsuit.

But the supervisor allegedly saved yelling at Sica and falsely accused him of “not accomplishing anything at all in the store,” the fit states.

Soon after recurring belittling, some of which transpired within earshot of other prospects and co-personnel, Sica complained to higher management, the lawsuit explained.

Dollar Basic administration failed to react to his complaints and as a substitute fired Sica on Dec. 11, 2021, the go well with alleges.

A spokesperson for Greenback Common Corporation declined Friday to remark on the allegations in the go well with, saying in an e-mail the corporation does not remark on pending litigation.

The complaint alleges Sica was discriminated versus over his disabilities, retaliated towards for complaining about his supervisor, and that Dollar Standard Company violated New Jersey’s legislation versus discrimination.

In addition to looking for damages, Sica wishes to be reinstated to his work and get the back again pay and advantages he missing when he was fired, the lawsuit reported.

Sica is also seeking to have supervisors and professionals at Greenback Normal go through anti-harassment and anti-discrimination instruction, according to the fit.

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Anthony G. Attrino may perhaps be achieved at [email protected]. Adhere to him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Come across NJ.com on Fb.