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

An Ocean County male with a mastering disability and wellness difficulties has submitted fit against the Greenback Common Corporation, declaring he was fired from the Point Enjoyable store for becoming “too slow” at his occupation as a stocking clerk.

Eric Sica, 38, of Brick, mentioned in courtroom papers he disclosed during his work interview that he was born with spinal meningitis, a major health care condition prompted by an infection of the fluid membranes surrounding the brain and spinal wire.

The condition led to lifelong finding out disabilities, listening to loss and eyesight impairment, according to the lawsuit filed April 14 in Top-quality Court docket in Ocean County.

Sica explained he wrote on his task application that he gets Social Protection added benefits due to his disabilities, could operate minimal hrs every single week and was unable to get the job done shifts that necessary him to drive at night due to the fact of his eyesight complications.

Shortly immediately after he was employed on Oct. 30, 2020, Sica claims his supervisor commenced discriminating in opposition to him based mostly on his documented disabilities.

“You’re too sluggish,” the supervisor allegedly explained to him consistently as he stocked cabinets. “You’re getting much too extended. It should not consider that prolonged.”

Sica informed the supervisor “he was accomplishing the best he could” and that he usually completed his duties, according to the lawsuit.

But the supervisor allegedly retained yelling at Sica and falsely accused him of “not undertaking anything at all in the shop,” the match states.

Immediately after recurring belittling, some of which happened within earshot of other shoppers and co-personnel, Sica complained to upper management, the lawsuit said.

Dollar Typical administration unsuccessful to answer to his issues and as an alternative fired Sica on Dec. 11, 2021, the fit alleges.

A spokesperson for Dollar Common Corporation declined Friday to comment on the allegations in the accommodate, indicating in an email the company does not remark on pending litigation.

The complaint alleges Sica was discriminated in opposition to around his disabilities, retaliated from for complaining about his supervisor, and that Greenback General Company violated New Jersey’s guidelines against discrimination.

In addition to looking for damages, Sica would like to be reinstated to his job and get the back pay out and gains he misplaced when he was fired, the lawsuit explained.

Sica is also searching for to have supervisors and administrators at Greenback Typical bear anti-harassment and anti-discrimination education, according to the go well with.

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Anthony G. Attrino could be reached at [email protected]. Abide by him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Discover NJ.com on Fb.