Ex Employee Claims She Was Fired For Voting For Obama

Patricia Kunkle, an Ohio resident, filed a claim against her former employer, Q-Mark Inc. and its owner Roberta Gentile, because she alleges that she was terminated after voting for Obama.

Patricia began working for Q-Mark, Inc., a defense contractor, in April 2012 and became a full-time employee in May 2013.  According to her lawsuit, she was described as an “efficient and effective” employee.  Patricia was never disciplined and worked overtime without collecting overtime pay.

The claim alleges Gentile threatened to fire employees if Obama won reelection.  The firing would begin with those suspected of voting for the president.

On November 7th, 2013, Patricia claims she mentioned to her employer that she voted for President Obama.   Two days later she was fired for what her employer told her was in the “best interest of the company.”  Patricia further alleges that Gentile tried to discovery employees’ political affiliations and often said negative things about the people she disagreed with it.

Gentile’s attorney told the Dayton Daily News “Ms. Kunkle was laid off for economic reasons – nothing more.”  He further states that he believes the readers of Dayton Daily “are family with the ongoing uncertainties regarding defense spending, and thus the economic environment confronting defense contractors.”  Gentile’s attorney says “the allegation that Q-mark discharged Ms. Kunkle because of her vote is simply false.”

If you or a loved one has been discriminated against in the workplace, please contact Khorrami, LLP for a confidential consultation.