Jury awards $3 million to former United Airlines employee who complained of discrimination
Associated Press
06/20/09 3:00 PM PDT
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DENVER — A federal court jury in Denver awarded $3 million to a former United Airlines employee Friday after finding the company retaliated against her for complaining about discrimination.
The trial began Monday in Senior Judge Richard P. Matsch's courtroom. The jury deliberated about seven hours before reaching a verdict Friday.
Jennifer McInerney, 37, of Centennial lost her job as a United ramp-services supervisor in March 2006 after 12 years with the company. She has a disabled 3-year-old son.
McInerney asked for alternative jobs in May 2005 because she anticipated complications with her pregnancy. She said the request was denied and her son was born 11 weeks premature.
McInerney took family medical leave, vacation time and sick leave until she had used up all her time off. She then asked for unpaid leave, but didn't get it.
She was instructed to return to work in March 2006. When she didn't, she was fired.
McInerney alleged in her lawsuit that United often approved requests for unpaid leave from male ramp supervisors.
United maintained it had a shortage of ramp supervisors and couldn't continue to hold open McInerney's job when she requested more time off.
Jurors decided McInerney was retaliated against for her complaints about gender discrimination, but they didn't find that she was discriminated against because she is a woman.
United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said Friday the company doesn't "tolerate discrimination in any form, and we are pleased the jury ruled in our favor on the discrimination claim."
She said United hasn't decided if it will appeal.
McInerney said she was "flabbergasted" by the verdict.
"I wanted to send a huge message to United to never ever do this again," she said.
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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com
