Previous Story
CUC accused of discrimination in workforce
Summons for a jury trial have been issued to the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. on the grounds of discrimination against one of its former prominent officials.
Current CUC executive director Gary Camacho terminated CUC’s former chief financial officer Matthew Yaquinto in May 25, 2016 allegedly without cause and without the authority to do so.
Yaquinto, through Attorney David Banes, has demanded for a jury trial in the NMI District Court. The NMI District Court issued summons on Dec. 29, 2017.
According to Yaquinto’s official complaint, he was allegedly terminated without review or explanation because he is Caucasian and not of NMI descent, and was replaced by an NMD without the required qualifications to fill his position.
In addition to a breach in contract and discrimination, CUC allegedly practiced unlawful employment, and violated Yaquinto’s civil rights.
Yaquinto claims that Camacho did not have the appropriate authority to terminate his contract because Camacho was allegedly hired and retained illegally because he did not meet the requirements in order to be CUC’s executive director, and Yaquinto’s contract stated that he is to report directly to the CUC board of directors.
During his employment, Yaquinto was allegedly pressured by members of the board to only hire persons of NMI descent; was accused by the board of directors of discrimination against NMDs when he would hire staff based on merits and not race; was accused of various lies; and was constantly harassed, chastised, and yelled at making it difficult for him to work at CUC.
Yaquinto claims that the actions made by the board of directors and Camacho were motivated by a bias because NMDs who work at CUC were not treated the same way.
Immediately after being fired, Yaquinto attempted to file for grievance and was refused by the board of directors.
Yaquinto prays that the court grants an order for back pay, equitable relief as the court deems appropriate, and compensation for wages lost, loss of reputation, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, interest, and for costs of experts and attorney fees.
