A former employee says she was fired by Skills Unlimited after she took two day off from work to attend a funeral.
Margaritta Ratliff filed her complaint in federal court against Skills Unlimited, a Missouri corporation.
According to the complaint, Ratliff says she was unfairly dismissed from her position after taking two days off to attend a funeral in April 2023. Despite having her time off approved by her supervisor, Ratliff claims she was terminated on grounds of being a "no-call no-show".
Ratliff further says her termination was racially motivated, stating that white employees who took time off without prior notification were not disciplined or dismissed. She also accuses Skills Unlimited of unevenly enforcing its attendance policy among its staff.
Additionally, Ratliff alleges that the company failed to provide her with her final paycheck following termination, contrary to Missouri law and company practice with white employees.
The lawsuit was filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Missouri Human Rights Act.
Ratliff is seeking compensatory damages, back and front pay, compensation for emotional distress, attorney fees, costs and other relief deemed just and lawful.