Human rights panel rules against three firms

AUGUSTA – Bangor, Brewer and Machias businesses violated state civil rights laws, the Maine Human Rights Commission ruled Monday.

In her sexual discrimination case, Melinda Glidden of Carmel told the commission that The Lemforder Corp. of Brewer bypassed her on several occasions when less experienced male employees were chosen for jobs that offered higher pay and greater chance of advancement. Glidden worked as a machinist for the company from 1993 to 1999 when she quit in frustration over her treatment. Company officials admitted that Glidden was passed over for several jobs even though she had more experience, but denied that discrimination took place. One company official said the decisions were made in the best interests of the company.

“A reasonable person under like circumstances would have felt left similarly compelled to seek employment elsewhere,” said HRC Investigator Paul D. Pierce.

Philona Elliott of East Livermore filed a complaint against Carquest Auto Parts of Bangor when she was denied a raise which was granted to male employees. After she filed a complaint with the HRC and visited the auto parts store, the manager told her to leave and not visit any of the Carquest stores in the state because of the complaint. Investigator Pierce said no grounds were found for sexual discrimination, but that being banned from the store was “unlawful retaliation.” Pierce said, “Civil rights statutes have no force or meaning if an employee is retaliated against when one exercises civil rights.”

The commission also found grounds for discrimination against Main Street Discount Store of Machias in a complaint filed by Linda Glidden of Lubec. Store owners admitted that they had failed to replace a handicapped parking sign in the company parking lot for more than 10 months.

All complaints supported by the commission proceed to conciliation hearings. If that process fails, the complaint continues to Superior Court where a final settlement can include monetary damages.

The commission rejected discrimination complaints filed by:

David Daniello of Thomaston against Knox County Sheriff’s Department.

Betty Coffin of Bangor against Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department.

Robert Cochrane of Brewer against Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. of Ohio.

David McKay of Washburn against Helen Noreen Apartments in Hancock.

Thomas Lynch of Calais against SeptiTech of Gray and Express Personnel Services of Bangor.

Barbara Worthing of Cardville against Osram Sylvania of Bangor and Timothy Magoon of Bangor.

Robin Smith of Castine against Moosabec Community School District in Jonesport.

Brenda Caron of Fort Kent against Northern Maine Medical Center of Fort Kent.

Theodore Pietz of Orono against Stillwater Village Apartments of Orono.