Jury finds deaf-mute underpaid

[Miss-Delectable]

http://www.borderlandnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050611/NEWS/506110326/1001

A Central El Paso man earning $5.51 an hour was denied higher wages by his employer of more than 20 years because he cannot hear or speak, a jury in County Court-at-Law No. 5 decided.

Eduardo Quiroga, 43, sued Jonsil Manufacturing Corp., known for making class rings. He claimed his co-workers performing similar duties, including some with less experience, were "earning considerably more or even double than what he was paid," court records stated.

A jury found Thursday that Quiroga's disability was a "motivating factor" in the wages Jonsil paid him for his work operating a machine that makes molds for class rings.

The jury also determined that a "reasonable and fair hourly wage" for Quiroga is $11.50 and that he deserves $170,000 in compensatory damages in back pay and for pain and suffering.

An official for Jonsil Manufacturing said Friday that despite the jury's findings, the company did not use Quiroga's disability as a factor in determining his hourly pay. "Though we don't agree with the jury's decision, we will abide by it and we will be glad to put this behind us and move forward," said David Cervantes, the company's manager.

Judge Carlos Villa is expected to enter a formal ruling July 6.

Quiroga's lawyer, George Andritsos, said his client filed two Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints before suing in civil court. Quiroga continues to work for Jonsil.

 

[diehardbiker]

After 20 years in manufacturing and earning only $5.51 an hour is DEFINETLY OUTRAGEOUS!!! What the offical at his company said is huge Baloney! Where is his chance of promotions, and other incentives that normal person would have otherwise enjoyed?
I am glad that one of manufacturing company kicked me out (In other word, I was fired) last February! They were pissed off at me for doing less that I was supposed to. Yea, here is why... They denied me any promotions, or any chance. They ignore my request assist in improving work process so that I could better promoted. They expected me to do more for less! FUCK THEM! :fu2: I wouldn't want to be stuck with them for 20 years!
I am grateful that I just got job last week. It was not what I really wanted, but its a different kind of company. I am still out there looking for better job.

 

[horselover61]

After 20 years in manufacturing and earning only $5.51 an hour is DEFINETLY OUTRAGEOUS!!! What the offical at his company said is huge Baloney! Where is his chance of promotions, and other incentives that normal person would have otherwise enjoyed?
I am glad that one of manufacturing company kicked me out (In other word, I was fired) last February! They were pissed off at me for doing less that I was supposed to. Yea, here is why... They denied me any promotions, or any chance. They ignore my request assist in improving work process so that I could better promoted. They expected me to do more for less! FUCK THEM! :fu2: I wouldn't want to be stuck with them for 20 years!
I am grateful that I just got job last week. It was not what I really wanted, but its a different kind of company. I am still out there looking for better job.

I hear ya. Been there and done that from my last job. I was working at YMCA and not getting any raise and they cut my hours then finally they laid my off from my job. Luckly I got another job after being layoff for 3 1/2 months. I will get a raised in the fall. Since the school is closed for the summer so my last day will be on Thrusday and will and hopefully collect unemployment til Aug 24.