Facts

Plaintiff John Martinez, a Mexican American, was employed at defendant Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Inc. as a metal-fitting mechanic. As such, plaintiff worked on the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) for NASA space shuttles. In 2005, Pratt & Whitney issued Martinez a warning for failure to follow instructions and suspended him for poor workmanship. In 2006, Martinez filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Later, Pratt & Whitney claimed that Martinez defaced an SSME, which also had workmanship problems. In 2007, it reassigned plaintiff to a janitorial position. Thus, Martinez sued his employer, the former director of operations, and various supervisors.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Martinez claimed that Pratt & Whitney committed a breach of implied contract, unlawfully demoted him based on his race, improperly harassed him, and retaliated against him.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defense asserted that Pratt & Whitney demoted Martinez solely due to poor workmanship. Further, it claimed that other Mexican Americans in the company received awards and promotions.

Result

The jury found in favor of the defense.

Deliberation

three hours

Poll

12-0 (wrongful demotion), 11-1 (retaliation)

Length

11 days