14 DAY TRIAL // An ex Apple store staffer is suing her former employer on discrimination grounds. Following a medical leave of absence, during which time she sought psychiatric assistance, Nicole Sullivan, 22, returned to the SoHo Apple Store (New York City) where her colleagues, and especially the human resources director, began treating her differently.
AppleInsider reports that, according to a suit filed in a U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois, Nicole began work at the SoHo Apple Store in 2008.
She was forced to take a leave of absence in April, the following year, due to a nervous disorder, the report notes.
During her leave, Nicole sought the services of a psychiatrist.
She was given disability leave through an independent company, the suit states, and was assured by this third party that the details of her medical condition would not be disclosed to Apple.
Yet, her fellow colleagues appeared to be well aware of her medical condition, upon her return to the SoHo Apple store, the suit states.
She reportedly said it was "obvious" to her that the store's employees, and "especially" its human resources director, were aware of her condition.
SoHo store management replaced Sullivan’s job during her four month leave, the story goes.
Upon her return, she was reportedly told that she would remain in a "holding pattern" until work was found for her.
She was sent to a room in the store's basement where she sat at a vacant desk, the lawsuit cited by AppleInsider claims.
"Many days went by and still Plaintiff was not assigned to any particular job, despite requesting that she be assigned to one," the complaint reads.
"Plaintiff busied herself occasionally helping others but there were days where she had nothing to do."
Sullivan decided to take matters into her own hands and applied for numerous jobs at the store, including the "Genius" position, but she was denied the latter because "there were questions about her mental stability," she claims in the suit.
The woman eventually moved to Chicago as she had heard there was an opening at Apple's retail store on North Michigan Avenue.
Sadly, she did not receive a position at that store either.
As a result, she believed that Apple engaged in "malice and reckless indifference" to her rights, the suit states.
The suit adds that Nicole "suffered emotional distress, humiliation and embarrassment" because of Apple's actions.
She thus contacted the Law Offices of Richard D. Grossman in Chicago to get the appropriate back pay, front pay, employment benefits and other compensation that she believes was denied.
The suit filings also reveal that Sullivan is seeking $300,000 in punitive damages for alleged discrimination and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.