As the birthday of American Kevin Berling approached, he made sure to let the workplace know that he did not want a party or celebration.
Berling worked for the company Gravity Diagnostics. In August 2019, he approached the management at work and informed them that he did not want them to celebrate his birthday at work, as it could potentially result in a panic attack and would bring back unpleasant childhood memories.
But according to the lawsuit, the boss forgot Berling’s request and arranged a full party for the birthday child. Kevin Berling had a panic attack and ended up sitting alone in his car for the rest of the working day, according to BBC.
– Dogs tore off the whole face
– Killing of joy
The lawsuit also states that Berling was “confronted and criticized” at a meeting the day after the incident. Here he was accused of having “ruined the joy of his co-workers” and of “behaving like a little girl.”
The meeting is said to have led to another panic attack, after which the company sent him home for a total of two days.
Complained of extreme pain after this
Berling apologized for the panic attacks. On August 11, however, he was fired, citing concerns about workplace safety. The management must have been worried that the employee could become “angry and violent”.
In his lawsuit, Berling claims that the company discriminated against him because of his illness.
sea view
–
– Violence in the workplace
After a two-day trial, the jury had the verdict ready.
Berling was awarded $ 300,000 in emotional compensation and $ 150,000 in lost wages. This corresponds to almost four million Norwegian kroner.
Julie Brazil, CEO of Gravity Diagnostics, said during the trial that the verdict sets a dangerous precedent for employers and employees that unless physical violence occurs, any other form of violence in the workplace is allowed.
Alcohol shock in kindergarten
– As an employer, we put the safety of our employees first. We have a zero tolerance policy, and we stand by our decision to dismiss the plaintiff for his violation of the guidelines for violence in the workplace, Brazil said according to The Guardian.
– My employees were the victims in this case, not the plaintiff.
–
