A woman who worked for the Orem Streets Department has filed a $1 million U.S. District Court suit against the city, charging sex discrimination and libel.
Glenda Chris Seamons, Provo, worked for the city from March 1984 to November 1988. She earned $5.25 per hour and, because of the seasonal nature of her job, was not hired in the winter. She was a crew leader.The lawsuit alleges that an Orem city employee who was a supervisor told her he didn't believe women should be employed outside the home. "He stated he believed a woman's place is at home with . . . children," the suit adds.
In November 1988 she was told she wouldn't be rehired for the 1989 calendar year, the suit says. It says that after she was laid off, the city "promoted a lesser-qualified male for the position."
She was hired as a contractor at a higher wage after the city let her go, it says.
The action alleges that Orem libeled her by "intentionally publishing a false statement . . . that plaintiff was not promoted by Orem city because of `unsatisfactory job performance' and `a disruptive attitude.' "