Discrimination complaint filed vs. Saipan Aviation
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a discrimination complaint against the Saipan Aviation for terminating the contract of its chief fueler allegedly on the basis of his age.
EEOC filed the complaint at the US District Court on Saipan early this week on behalf of the 61-year-old Pedro Orbon.
Orbon’s contract, which would have expired last June 15, was extended for 90 days by Saipan Aviation following the federal court’s issuance of a temporary restraining order sought by EEOC.
“At 61, Orbon was the oldest aviation fueler crew chief and the only fueler whose contract was not renewed,” EEOC stated in its complaint.
Orbon would have been subject to deportation if his contract was not extended.
“When an employee files a discrimination charge, employers must not think they can impede an investigation by sending a nonresident worker with a one-way airline ticket,” said Susan McDuffie, director of EEOC San Francisco Office.
Discrimination charges “are serious matters,” McDuffie added.
William Tamayo, EEOC’s regional attorney, said the commission will “vigorously” investigate Orbon’s case.
He said that if Orbon was deported, it would make the investigation process. difficult.
Saipan Aviation is being operated by Mobil Oil.
“We are pleased the employer Mobil Oil agreed to maintain the status quo by extending Orbon’s contract for at least 90 days pending investigation of his charge,” said Daphne Barbee-Wooten, senior trial attorney in the Honolulu Local Office who filed the request for a temporary restraining order.
She added that EEOC “will take a quick and immediate action when circumstances surrounding nonrenewal of a worker’s contract raise suspicions of discrimination.”
