In a gripping legal battle that highlights the ongoing issues of workplace discrimination and retaliation, Graciela Ipatzi has filed a lawsuit against her former employers in Ventura County Superior Court on March 7, 2025. The defendants in this case are Express Services, Inc., a Colorado corporation doing business as Express Employment Professionals, and Binder USA, a Georgia limited partnership. Ipatzi alleges that she was subjected to age and disability discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and wrongful termination during her employment with these companies.
Graciela Ipatzi's complaint outlines a series of troubling events during her tenure at Binder USA. Initially hired in October 2020 through Express Services, Inc., Ipatzi worked as an Assembly Worker at Binder's Camarillo office. Despite performing her duties diligently, she claims to have faced continuous harassment from her direct supervisor, Paulina Zavala. According to the complaint, Zavala frequently made derogatory comments about Ipatzi's age, such as calling her "fucking crazy old lady" and questioning why she worked there given her age. This persistent harassment reportedly took a toll on Ipatzi's mental health, causing severe anxiety and stress.
The situation escalated when Ipatzi underwent heart surgery in April 2022 and requested medical leave. Upon returning to work in May 2022, she found that Zavala's harassment had intensified. In October 2022, Ipatzi reported the misconduct to Binder’s Managing Director Eric Shiver and CFO Benjamin Peterman but alleges no investigation or corrective action was taken. Instead, Zavala allegedly retaliated by spreading false information about Ipatzi and ultimately orchestrating her termination on October 27, 2022.
Ipatzi accuses both Express Services and Binder USA of failing to prevent discrimination and retaliation as required under California law. Her lawsuit cites violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) for age and disability discrimination and retaliation for reporting such practices. She also claims wrongful discharge in violation of public policy due to her complaints about discriminatory conduct.
In seeking justice through the court system, Graciela Ipatzi is demanding compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress caused by the alleged unlawful actions of the defendants. Additionally, she seeks punitive damages to deter similar conduct by other employers in the future. Her legal representation from Anticouni & Ricotta PC aims to hold Express Services and Binder USA accountable for their purportedly discriminatory practices.
Representing Graciela Ipatzi is attorney Nicole K. Ricotta from Anticouni & Ricotta PC based in Santa Barbara. The case is being heard under Case No.: FO2ZSCUVYT O39855 in Ventura County Superior Court.