HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ordered K&K Landscaping of PA in Cambria County to pay more than $21,000 for illegal racial discrimination and retaliation against a former employee, Lanny Sydney, also of Johnstown. The order took effect Sept. 27.
Sydney filed a complaint alleging that K&K Landscaping reduced his work hours and benefits, and eventually terminated his employment, based on his race and in retaliation for his opposition to illegal discrimination. Sydney is African-American.
The company failed to answer the complaint, and the commission held it liable for illegal discrimination.
“Racial discrimination and retaliation are not tolerated in Pennsylvania,” said JoAnn L. Edwards, the commission’s executive director. “These charges are serious, and companies that ignore them risk legal liability.”
K&K was ordered to cease illegally discriminating against employees based on race and to respond to future charges. They were also ordered to pay Sydney $452 to reimburse expenses, and $18,407 in back pay, plus interest, until payment is made. To date, the payment comes to $21,067.
The company has 30 days to report to the commission on how it will comply with the order.