Lawsuit Alleges Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Watch a Recording of the Press Conference Here – POSTPONED 

Due to illness, this press conference has been postponed to a later date. Please check social media for updates.

In the meantime, watch lead attorney Joseph L. Richardson speak to his client’s claims against Riverside University Health Systems in the following interview. Watch the video here:

Standing Against Workplace Discrimination

The employment law attorneys at McCune Law Group have extensive experience in employment law and are well-versed in federal and state anti-discrimination statutes. We help our clients understand their legal rights and options and work diligently to ensure those rights are protected. By partnering with McCune Law Group, you will receive the knowledgeable and compassionate representation you need to navigate the complexities of employment discrimination cases and achieve the best possible outcome.

Riverside-University Health System (RUHS) has recently faced allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment law violations. Employees from diverse backgrounds have reported experiencing unjust treatment, ranging from discriminatory hiring practices to retaliation for voicing concerns. These patterns suggest a troubling environment where workers may feel undervalued and unsafe.

If you have faced similar challenges while working for RUHS or its affiliates, we encourage you to reach out to us by calling (909) 345-8110 or by completing our online form.

‘Employee of the Year’ Nurse Allegedly Terminated for Bringing Issues to Light

In a lawsuit MLG is bringing against the County of Riverside on behalf of an experienced nurse working in the Correctional Health Division (RUHS-CHS) of the Riverside-University Health System, it alleges that the plaintiff faced discrimination and harassment on account of her race, age, and gender, resulting in her unlawful termination. The complaint also alleges that the plaintiff was retaliated against for her efforts to advocate against unfair pay and hiring practices that have persisted across Riverside-University Health System unchecked.

The lawsuit goes onto allege that the plaintiff was retaliated against for speaking out against unfair and illegal payment practices at RUHS-CHS. In their capacity as both an executive and an SEIU representative, the plaintiff brought to light numerous issues on behalf of fellow nurses. On October 5, 2023, the lawsuit alleges that these retaliatory actions came to a head when the plaintiff was escorted from their Riverside office. The plaintiff was issued a Notice of Intent to Fire on November 1, 2023. On January 12, 2024, after a nearly 30-year career in Riverside County, the plaintiff’s employment was terminated.

The plaintiff has been a dedicated Riverside County nurse for over 28 years. For 23 of those years, she’s held management or administrative roles, and she has been consistently recognized for her excellence in leadership. Despite an excellent track record, which included being awarded “employee of the year,” the plaintiff’s employment with RUHS-CHS was terminated on January 12, 2024.

The lawsuit further alleges that the plaintiff’s firing is in keeping with a broader pattern of racial and gender-based discrimination across Riverside-University Health Systems. The complaint alleges that managers in Riverside County made concerted efforts to force African American employees out of management positions. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that she witnessed discriminatory tactics deployed against others in addition to facing them herself.

How to Spot Employment Discrimination

When you are working for an employer, you have the right to a workplace free of discrimination. While some forms of discrimination are obvious, others can be harder to identify. There is no guaranteed way to spot covert discrimination, but there are signs you can note to help identify employment discrimination in all its forms. Some signs to look out for include:

  • Inappropriate questions during an interview
  • Unequal pay
  • Unfair treatment
  • Belittling
  • Demeaning communications

Employment discrimination can impact anyone in the workforce and can have long-term repercussions. Despite federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination, many employers will continue to discriminate against their employees as long as they don’t get caught. That’s why it’s more important than ever to report employment discrimination and hold these bad actors accountable.

Why Speak Out?

Reporting workplace issues is not just about seeking justice for yourself—it’s also about protecting others who may be suffering in silence. When employees come forward, they shine a light on systemic issues, paving the way for change. Filing a claim can:

  • Hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices.
  • Prevent further harm to other employees.
  • Help you recover damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other hardships.

With over 30 years of experience in employment law, McCune Law Group has a proven track record of advocating for employee rights. We understand the courage it takes to step forward, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. From initial consultations to courtroom representation, we are dedicated to ensuring your voice is heard.

How to Start Your Potential Case

The Employment Law Attorneys of MLG are trained to help fight against any form of workplace retaliation and specialize in protecting employees’ rights. Our firm has extensive experience handling a variety of employment discrimination cases spanning a wide variety of protected classes and circumstances. Here are four steps to help you initiate contact:

Step 1: Research and Gather Information – Before reaching out, gather all relevant information about your case. This includes details about the incident and information about the parties involved. Take note of the date, time, and location of the incident.      

Step 2: Call or Complete the Form for Initial Evaluation – Use the provided phone number or online form to contact our team. You may find it helpful to prepare a summary of your case before making the call or completing the form. This will ensure you provide essential details efficiently. 

Step 3: Schedule a Free Evaluation – Request a free evaluation to discuss your case in detail. We offer free initial evaluations to assess the viability of your case. During this meeting, you can share the specifics of your situation, ask questions, and get a better understanding of how our team can assist you.

Step 4: Prepare for the Evaluation – Before the scheduled evaluation, organize all relevant documents and be prepared to articulate the details of your case clearly. This will help the attorney assess the merits of your case more effectively. During the evaluation, feel free to ask any questions you may have about the legal process, potential outcomes, and our approach to employment lawsuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is employment discrimination?

Employment discrimination refers to any unfair treatment of employees or job applicants based on their protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Discrimination can occur in various aspects of employment such as hiring, firing, promotion, pay, benefits, training, or job assignments.

Discrimination can manifest in various forms, including unequal treatment based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. For example, an employee may experience unfair hiring practices, pay disparities, or a lack of promotion opportunities due to these factors. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly for reasons beyond your control, it may constitute discrimination.

If you believe you have experienced employment discrimination, you need the aid of an attorney at MLG. Our team is trained to help fight against any form of employment discrimination and advocate for those who have been stunted or mistreated in the workplace by discriminatory policies. When you entrust your case with an MLG lawyer you can rest easy knowing you have a trustworthy ally that can fight for you.

Filing a claim typically involves several steps, starting with an initial consultation to review your case. If your claim proceeds, your attorney will help you gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and represent you during negotiations or in court. While the process can take time, it aims to secure fair treatment and justice for you.

Your Civil Rights are Non-Negotiable

At MLG, we are no stranger to defending our clients from injustices, unfair practices, and discrimination. With more than 30 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for our clients, our firm is nationally recognized for protecting our clients against any discriminatory practices that violate your civil rights. Racial and Economic Justice practice area leader Joe L. Richardson is dedicated to holding discriminatory systems accountable and attaining justice for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Contact our team of award-winning attorneys today for a free evaluation of your potential case. 

If you or a loved one has experienced discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation while at Riverside University Health Systems, contact our team today! Complete the form or call to schedule a free evaluation.  

Attorney Advertising

McCune Law Group, APC, is responsible for this advertisement. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Use of this website or submission of the online form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California. The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, MO, NY, and PA. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys is not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.

The results discussed do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the results in future cases.