A Lenovo computer salesman finds himself in the midst of a major legal battle. Richard Becker, aged 66, alleges that he was unfairly dismissed from his position for urinating in the lobby of his Times Square hotel. Seeking a minimum of $1.5 million in damages, Becker claims wrongful termination on the grounds of a medical condition.
Becker, who has been managing a chronic bladder condition since 2016, has filed a lawsuit on Friday in the New York State Supreme Court. The lawsuit accuses Lenovo of engaging in “discrimination on the basis of disability,” which is a violation of the human rights laws of New York State and New York City.
In February, Becker experienced a distressing incident. After a work dinner, he felt “overwhelmed” when he returned to his hotel near Times Square. As per the lawsuit, he had no choice but to relieve himself in a vestibule on a different floor from the main lobby.
According to the lawsuit, Becker’s coworker observed him urinating, and with apparent spite and malice, reported the incident to HR. It is worth noting that Becker’s behavior did not cause any harm to anyone.
According to Becker, despite his colleagues and managers being aware of his medical condition, Lenovo failed to show any sympathy or comply with the law. He claims that he was terminated within days after a superficial HR investigation that didn’t even include an interview with him.
Ever since he was fired, the resident of Long Island has been unable to find employment. The lawsuit, which AFP has reviewed, emphasizes the significant impact the incident has had on Becker’s personal and professional life.
Lenovo has not yet responded to the lawsuit, despite a request for comment made after regular business hours.
As the legal battle continues, it sheds light on important concerns regarding workplace discrimination and the way employees with medical conditions are treated. The result of this case could establish a precedent for how other companies address similar circumstances down the line.
