HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.094 2002-2004 Page 1 of 1
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From: "Joe Chemer' <Joe~smokefree.org> ,0317HY 20 PI7 1 25
To: "Joe Chemer announce list" <JoeChemer-announoe~smokefree.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 8:04 AM CCUPG '~t
Subject: (JoeChemer-announce]Firm Ordered to Pay $5.27 Million for Exposing ~to;T~Sf~g;;rl7oke
Firm Ordered to Pay $5.27 Million for Exposing Employee to Tobacco Smoke ~~~aAA~ii~
Elite Model Management, home to several world super models, was ordered yesterday to pay $5.27 million to Victoria
Gallegos, 32, after a jury found that Elite fired her for complaining about tobacco smoke in her workplace.
Before accepting a $100,000 a year job as Elite's sales director, Gallegos told Elite owners that should could not work
around smoke due to her asthma. They assured her that smoking would not be permitted. She repeatedly complained
about the smoke, but nothing was done. Some of her co-workers teased her by leaving matches and lighters on her
desk. She was demoted, then fired.
Gallegos, an asthmatic, testified that the smoke at work caused her "frequem bouts of nausea," which left her "coughing
up blood" and gave her "difficulties sleeping at night."
The $5.2 million award includes $2 million for pain and suffering and $2.6 million in punitive damages. The sum was
$600,000 more than Gallegos' lawyer had asked for, indicating just how reprehensible the jury found Elite's behavior.
"This case should serve as a wake-up cell to any employers who are exposing employees to tobacco smoke," said Jce
Chemer, president of SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc. "Tobacco smoke is not funny, especially if you are
asthmatic. Tobacco smoke causes cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness. No one should have to breathe it to
hold a job."
To send a letter in support of smokefree workplace laws where you live, go to www. srnokefree,org
Joseph W. Cherner, President
SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc.
http://www,sm_okefree,org
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever
has." Margaret Mead
To search the JceCherner-annomce archives, go to:
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