In a gripping legal battle that underscores the ongoing challenges of workplace discrimination and retaliation, a former employee has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against a major retail corporation. On January 9, 2025, Solomon Manning filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Wal-Mart Associates, Inc., along with individuals Laura Kish and Lacrissa Cox. The case highlights serious allegations including wrongful termination, disability discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation.
Solomon Manning's lawsuit presents a detailed narrative of his employment journey with Wal-Mart Associates, Inc., which began on June 27, 2017. Manning claims he was wrongfully terminated on February 16, 2024, after nearly seven years of satisfactory service as a Tire and Lube Tech at the company's Oxnard location. His complaint accuses Wal-Mart of violating multiple provisions under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and various sections of the California Labor Code. According to Manning's account, he became ill in December 2023 and notified his employer about his medical condition. Despite providing necessary medical documentation and formally requesting leave until March 31, 2024, he alleges that Wal-Mart failed to engage in any interactive process or provide reasonable accommodation for his condition.
Manning further asserts that his termination was retaliatory in nature due to his involvement as a witness in another lawsuit where Wal-Mart was accused of making false statements about employment records. This participation marked him as engaging in protected activities under FEHA. He claims that following his termination, Wal-Mart committed several unlawful acts such as failing to pay accrued paid time off (PTO), making unauthorized wage deductions totaling $420.65 from his final paycheck issued via paycard instead of check—contrary to California law—and providing incomplete employment records upon request.
The lawsuit also alleges intentional interference with unemployment benefits by making false statements to the Employment Development Department (EDD), falsely indicating that Manning was still employed full-time post-termination. Moreover, Manning accuses Wal-Mart of obstructing access to workers' compensation forms necessary for filing claims related to work-related injuries or illnesses.
Manning seeks general damages for lost earnings and employment benefits alongside compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by these alleged violations. Additionally, he requests punitive damages aimed at punishing Wal-Mart for its purported willful misconduct and deterring similar future conduct by others. His legal representation includes attorneys Joshua I. White and Brian Heit from Laurel Employment Law.
The case is being overseen by Judge Hannah Cressy under Case No.: 2025 CU WTOS "019". As this legal saga unfolds in Ventura County's Superior Court system—with potential implications extending beyond this single plaintiff—it serves as an important reminder about corporate accountability within today's complex labor landscape.