A lawsuit filed September 11 in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri claims Teleperformance in Joplin fired a woman after she complained of sexual harassment from two supervisors.
The case was transferred to the federal court from Jasper County Circuit Court where it was originally filed July 18.
Plaintiff began working for Defendant on or about June 17, 2017. In or around June 2018, Plaintiff’s supervisor, Chris, began telling stories about his sexual encounters with women he met online. Plaintiff repeatedly requested that Chris stop making such comments, but they happened continously during the time Plaintiff worked with Chris.
Alison Pendergrass claims a supervisor named Chris (no last name is provided in the lawsuit) bragged about sexual encounters and the size of his penis.
After she complained she was moved to a team led by another supervisor, a man named Tony, who she says made a habit of rubbing her shoulders and looking down her shirt.
Teleperformance is the only defendant listed in the lawsuit.
Pendergrass claims that her treatment and dismissal by Teleperformance had caused her lost income, career opportunities and "mental and emotional anguish."
Pendergrass' version of events leading to her dismissal are detailed in the petition.
Plaintiff began working for Defendant on or about June 17, 2017. In or around June 2018, Plaintiff’s supervisor, Chris, began telling stories about his sexual encounters with women he met online. Plaintiff repeatedly requested that Chris stop making such comments, but they happened continously during the time Plaintiff worked with Chris.
In or around November or December of 2018, Chris approached Plaintiff and Debbie Jones and told the women that he had a huge “d--k.” When Chris made this comment he gestured with his hands to imply the size.
On information and belief, Debbie told Plaintiff’s supervisor that her significant other was upset with these comments.
Shortly after these events, Plaintiff spoke to others in management about the behavior she was experiencing. Plaintiff was then moved to a new team.
Sometime around February 2019, Plaintiff was placed on a team supervised by an individual named Tony. Before starting on Tony’s team, Plaintiff told management she was uncomfortable because of the way Tony treated Plaintiff, but Plaintiff was placed on Tony’s team despite her concerns.
Tony started rubbing Plaintiff’s shoulder, looking down her shirt, and making comments about her clothes, eyes and makeup. Plaintiff again reported the behavior to management.
On or about June 19, 2019, Plaintiff was informed that she was being moved to a new team. On or about June 20, 2019, Plaintiff was informed that she would be moved to the night shift even though Defendant knew that Plaintiff could not work the night shift.
Plaintiff continued to make reports and was finally able to speak to human resources about the harassment when picking up her check on or about June 21, 2019.
Management overheard Plaintiff’s comments to human resources and was called into a separate room and berated for allegedly using her leave and for being upset about her position. Plaintiff was suspended that same day.
On or about June 26, 2019, Plaintiff received official notification about her termination.
Pendergrass is asking for damages, fees and punitive damages. She is being represented by Timothy A. Ricker of the Hall Ansley law firm of Springfield.
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