KANSAS CITY – A former employee has filed a $30 million lawsuit against EnerSys Energy Products claiming he was fired for making complaints regarding workplace discrimination.
Chambala Hollis, a resident of Warrensburg, filed the lawsuit in federal court against EnerSys, citing allegations of discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to court documents, Hollis says he passed all required exams during the hiring process but was allowed to use personal bifocal reading glasses instead of provided safety glasses. He claims he is a protected member under the ADA for pre-existing medical conditions and vision issues.
Hollis claims that during his employment, he was subjected to retaliation through harassment, defamation, false imprisonment and termination for complaining about civil rights violations. He also claims reimbursement for training expenses was withheld due to a complaint about a pre-existing medical condition.
EnerSys HR Managers Thomas Crosier and Tonya Jo Holmberg allegedly terminated Hollis from his position on March 31, 2023, citing insubordination for refusing to use the correct safety glasses. According to the lawsuit, EnerSys also claims Hollis threatened other employees after he was fired. Hollis claims the reason was a pretext and that he was actually fired in retaliation for his complaints of discrimination. He also claims six employees were influenced to defame him and asserts unfair treatment compared to non-black employees regarding alternative positions and accommodation.
Hollis filed a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on May 10, 2023, and has received a Notice of Right to Sue.
Hollis, who is representing himself in this case, is seeking $30 million in damages.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri Western Division case number 4:23-cv-00835