Feds say Kauai motorcycle dealership manager retaliated against salesman
KAUAI HARLEY DAVIDSON
A screenshot of Kauai Harley Davidson’s website. The dealership is located in Lihue.
A Lihue motorcycle dealership violated federal law when it fired an employee for advising other workers of their right to complain about racial harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charged in a lawsuit filed today in Honolulu.
The commission, in a news release, said Daniel Young in 2014 worked in the sales and rentals departments at Aloha Auto Group’s Harley-Davidson dealership on Kauai.
Young was fired after he told a group of other workers about their right to file a hostile work environment complaint, the commission’s news release said.
Young had been informed by a group of Asian-American and Pacific Islander employees that they had been subjected to racially discriminatory comments by the dealership’s general manager.
The company said in a statement today that it did not discriminate against Young.
Chief Operating Officer Russell Wong said: “Former employee Young was separated from Aloha Auto’s Kauai Harley-Davidson dealership for disrespecting and undermining the leadership of the Harley-Davidson team on Kauai.
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“As an Asian-American and Pacific Islander, I understand the diversity of Hawaii’s workplace,” Wong said. “The company does not discriminate against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders nor does it condone retaliation against its employees who assert their employment rights. To the contrary, it has policies in place that prohibit conduct that violates federal and state employment laws and does not tolerate such conduct in the workplace.”
The lawsuit suit seeks back pay, benefits and compensatory and punitive damages for Young, as well as injunctive relief intended to prevent any future discrimination in the workplace.
“Retaliation is the most common type of discrimination charge EEOC receives,” said Anna Park, regional attorney for EEOC’s Los Angeles District, which includes Hawaii in its jurisdiction. “Informing other employees of their workplace rights is a protected activity, and trying to quash that right is unlawful.”
Glory Gervacio Saure, director of EEOC’s Honolulu office, added, “Hawaii is a diverse society with people from different racial backgrounds. Employers need to be cognizant of this and ensure a workplace that is free of racial hostility and discrimination.”
According to the company’s website, Aloha Auto Group owns and operates a chain of car and motorcycle dealerships throughout the islands of Hawaii.
11 responses to “Feds say Kauai motorcycle dealership manager retaliated against salesman”
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No one should buy vehicles from these guys. They won’t be friendly.
They sell KIA. ‘Nuff said.
CHINESE POWER!!
In my opinion, many are unaware of their rights covered by the EEOC and understanding the complaint process. It’s a rather daunting process to file a complaint and go thru the process the could lead to a civil suit. Regardless these alleged infractions should to be properly addressed.
If everyone in Hawaii, that felt discriminated against by an employer, filed a lawsuit, there wouldn’t be anyone working. Hawaii’s culture is racially divisive, but extremely racist at the same time. Doesn’t matter if you’re Philippine, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Euro, black, or Poly. There’s always enough to go around.
I am a local and cannot entirely agree with you. We are diverse community, but I find that there are those within each ethnic group that share the same moral social consciousness. On the other hand there are those (even within my own ethic group) that I really am not fond of. However, there is on trait that I believe is pervasive across our community…Passive / Aggressive behavior, hence much miscommunications. Folks from outside the community end up not getting the “hidden message”. A classic, “O.K.” means they heard you…if doesn’t mean they agreed. Not as easy as most been lead to believe. “Captain Obvious” 🙂
There are other ways to improve productivity or motivate employees.. Clearly the remarks were repugnant and uncalled for as it condemned a racial group culturally as too laid-back, especially as it relates to the work environment.
“And I don’t like anyone very much”
Let’s wait and see , employers have rights too . And anyone can file a case , doesn’t make him right .
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Personally I wouldn’t work where someone doesn’t like my style. Life is too short to sell my energy to a bigot .
Let the guy rent the bikes himself. Plenty sales jobs around. Some even have educational benefits .
True , not everyone has plenty folks trying to hire them . But it can be cultivated Daniel , thing is you also have to give respect and have something good to offer .
Worked for me and now I’m the employer.
Funny how that works huh ?
Does Harley Davidson have any comment on this?
John Doe # 1. !
Mr. Wong says the Company doesn’t condone the discrimination, problem is their manager did. Pay UP! as you employed the bigot