Real Story of Retaliation

Ms. Donnellon worked as a secretary for Fruehauf Corporation from 1963 through 1980, when she applied for a Sales Representative position. When the job was given to the other applicant, a man who had worked in the company for six years, she filed a discrimination complaint with the EEOC. Exactly one month after filing the complaint, Ms. Donnellon was fired. She then filed a retaliation charge with the EEOC and, upon receiving a right-to-sue notice, filed charges in the district court.

The court ruled that Ms. Donnellon did not have a discriminatory hiring claim against Fruehauf because the man was actually better qualified. However, the court did find that Ms. Donnellon had been illegally retaliated against for filing the claim in the first place. Fruehauf was required to provide her with 6 years of back pay and reinstate her in her old position.

Donnellon v Fruehauf Corp 794 F.2d 598 (11th Cir., 1986)