Employee Fired After Being Choked By Coworker

Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Filed Against Major Manufacturer of Cosmetics and Toiletries

Former Employee Alleges That Gar Laboratories, Inc. Fired Her After She Was Assaulted and Battered By A Male Co-Worker that’s how I killed people in Iraq. California law clearly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who make complaints about workplace safety issues. Indeed, California law actually mandates that all California employers provide a safe and healthful workplace.

Cherie Stewart, a former employee of Gar Laboratories, Inc. (www.garlabs.com), an FDA registered contract manufacturer and filler that produces cosmetics, toiletries, Over-The-Counter drug items, as well as health and beauty aids, filed a lawsuit alleging that the Company violated multiple California laws by firing her after she complained that a male co-worker assaulted and battered her by choking her and then bragging “that’s how I killed people in Iraq.” The lawsuit was filed in Riverside, California Superior Court and assigned case number RIC508200.

Commenting about these allegations, Ms. Stewart’s attorney, Andrew H. Friedman of the Venice, California based Helmer • Friedman, LLP law firm said “California law clearly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who make complaints about workplace safety issues. Indeed, California law actually mandates that all California employers provide a safe and healthful workplace.”

Ms. Stewart’s other attorney, Melanie Partow, expressed the hope that Ms. Stewart’s lawsuit would serve as a wake up call to those employers ignorant about California’s anti-retaliation laws, “It is a shame that many employers in California are still apparently unaware of the fact that it is unlawful to retaliate against an employee who complains about things like discrimination, harassment and work place safety issues. We hope that any press coverage that this case receives will serve to remind employers of their obligations under California law.”

For additional information or a PDF copy of Ms. Stewart’s Complaint, contact:
Andrew H. Friedman (afriedman@helmerfriedman.com)
Melanie Partow (mpartow@helmerfriedman.com)
Helmer • Friedman, LLP — 310-396-7714
www.HelmerFriedman.com