WDNY — Gender Discrimination: Lynch v. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation

U.S. District Court, WDNY

Gender Discrimination

Nondiscriminatory Reason for Suspension — Employer’s Criticism

Lynch v. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation
12-cv-6095L
Judge Larimer

Background: The plaintiff commenced a gender-discrimination and retaliation suite against her former employer. The plaintiff was terminated after an investigation into the discrepancies in her timesheets, as well as failure to conduct a proper investigation in conformity with the defendant’s practices and procedures. The defendant moved for summary judgment.

Ruling: The District Court granted the defendant’s motion. The court noted that a supervisor’s mere criticism of her work, even when loud and belittling, does not fall necessitate a hostile work environment, unless it is severe and pervasive. Further, the plaintiff did not rebut the defendant’s nondiscriminatory reason for her suspension and termination.

Mary M. Lynch, pro se; Melinda G. Disare and Michael E. Hickey of Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel for the defendant