(SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK) - Antonia Triumpho was harassed, disrespected and then fired without notice.  The reason?  Being a Woman.  Such was the findings of two New York State Courts after nearly four years of legal wrangling.  But today, Triumpho is back at work because of her Union’s – the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), efforts.

In 2017, Triumpho started work as the sole Female Laborer in Schoharie County’s Highway Department. 

Over nearly a year before her termination, she faced numerous instances of humiliation by male Co-Workers over her gender.

As noted in court papers, some of Triumpho’s Co-Workers had made jokes to her in reference to female body parts and Women’s health issues.

A foreman had also held a paddle used for directing traffic and asked her if she ‘wanted a spanking.’

For Public Works Employees who work on or near roadways, restrooms are not always widely available at job sites.

One day, Triumpho asked the foreman for permission to use a nearby restroom during a shift.  The foreman ignored her request and along with two male co-workers, mocked Triumpho.  The foreman also deemed these breaks as “beginning to be a bad habit.”

Some days, Triumpho would eat lunch alone in her car to escape badgering from her Co-Workers.

Despite facing disrespect, Triumpho received positive reviews about her performance and work ethic.

In late 2017, Triumpho expressed concern to a supervisor about the foreman’s treatment of her.  The supervisor told her to “brush it off,” noting: “That’s just how (he) is.”

In early April 2018 and without any advance notice, Triumpho was told by County Department of Public Works Commissioner Daniel Crandell and the supervisor that she was being terminated for “not being a good fit.”

“I was in total shock,” Triumpho said. “I will never forget that day.”

When managers were later asked in court as to why Triumpho was fired following good reviews and with a reputation of a strong work ethic, they criticized her attitude, calling her “difficult,” “argumentative” and a “nag.”

While employed, a Co-Worker had encouraged Triumpho to become a CSEA Member and she joined the Union.

“When I started, I didn’t even know what a Union was,” she said. “I never worked in a Union workplace.”

Her union membership became key to Triumpho fighting back against her termination.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: https://cseany.org/workforce/?p=11339