A former employee is suing a California-based electronics manufacturing company for alleged violations of employment rights, including discrimination and wrongful termination. Jesus Martinez Perez filed the complaint against EMLINQ LLC and Noel Santos in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on November 25, 2024.
The lawsuit claims that Perez was denied medical leave under the California Family Rights Act when his son fell seriously ill in December 2023. Despite informing his supervisor, Noel Santos, about his son's hospitalization and need for care, Perez's request for leave was denied. The complaint alleges that Santos responded with discriminatory remarks, stating that "Mexicans don’t need days off." Following this denial, Perez traveled to Mexico to care for his son and was subsequently terminated from his position via text message by EMLINQ’s HR department.
Perez had been employed as a Process Engineer at EMLINQ since June 2015. He claims that the stress from work exacerbated his high blood pressure condition, yet requests for accommodations were ignored. His termination came after eight years of service and amid an urgent family health crisis. The complaint details numerous allegations against EMLINQ and Santos, including failure to grant medical leave, retaliation, disability discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), national origin harassment and discrimination, and wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $35,000 for lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination. Additionally, he demands punitive damages citing malice and oppression by the defendants. Perez also requests injunctive relief to be reinstated to his previous position or a comparable one while ensuring preventive measures are implemented by EMLINQ to avoid future occurrences of similar conduct.
Representing Jesus Martinez Perez are attorneys A. Jacob Nalbandyan and Viridiana Aceves from Levin & Nalbandyan LLP. The case is being overseen by Judge Alex Copez under Case No.: 2034CLIWTOSS787.