A former mechanic for the city of Portland is suing his former employer for gender and race discrimination in federal court.
Wieslaw Sobieraj alleges that co-workers at a city garage verbally abused him with slurs against his Polish ancestry and anti-gay epithets. He also alleges physical abuse at co-workers’ hands.
In court filings, Sobieraj calls for reinstatement to his old job, back pay and punitive damages.
The city, which instituted its anti-harassment policy some 30 years ago, has denied the allegations. A settlement conference is set for next week.
This article appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.