Phan Trial Group, LLP Files Suit On Behalf of Former Samsung Chief Administrative Officer Against Company Alleging Fraud and Illegal Conduct
LOS ANGELES, April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A lawsuit alleging a pattern of discrimination and retaliation has been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by a former high level employee of a major affiliate in Samsung's multinational empire, Samsung Chemical (USA), Inc. ("Samsung Chemical"). Mr. Nathan Yun worked for various Samsung affiliates in California and Los Angeles County for over 14 years. He was employed most recently by Samsung Chemical. He also worked for a host of other Samsung entities during his long tenure with the company. Mr. Yun's lawsuit alleges a pattern of age discrimination at Samsung, as well as whistleblower claims, with Mr. Yun alleging that he was fired after he protested unlawful activity and other misconduct at Samsung.
As alleged in his complaint, Mr. Yun was subjected to retaliation at Samsung, and ultimately fired, among other things, because he protested unlawful activity at Samsung, including but not limited to an overt policy to discriminate against employees based on their age. Mr. Yun is over 40 years old, and in a protected category himself based on his age. In the end, he was a victim of the unlawful policy and practice of age discrimination that he had protested.
The complaint also alleges that during the course of his employment at Samsung, Mr. Yun observed the fact that violations of other California and federal laws were being committed. Such misconduct was condoned and participated in by those in higher management. Violations included putting into place discriminatory employment practices on the basis of age. This included directives from Samsung Headquarters in Korea to terminate older employees, which Samsung Chemical in the United States put into practice. Mr. Yun protested and resisted going along with such unlawful policies, which constituted protected activity by Mr. Yun. Mr. Yun was retaliated against, and ultimately fired, for his resistance and protests.
Mr. Yun also alleges in his complaint that he protested other unlawful practices by Defendants, and was retaliated against and ultimately terminated for engaging in such protected activity. Because of and as a result of his protests concerning unlawful and improper conduct, in addition to his age, the attitude of Defendants changed toward Plaintiff. His protests diminished his popularity within the organization, and his "gadfly" role did not earn him points. Mr. Yun became subject as a result to less favorable and adverse treatment in retaliation, culminating in his termination.
One critical example alleged in the complaint occurred right before his termination. Mr. Yun's job duties included filling out applications and renewals for insurance coverage for Samsung Chemical. Mr. Yun listed information in one such application that he reasonably believed was required to be disclosed, concerning alleged wrongful conduct by the CFO. Both the CFO and CEO became extremely angry that Mr. Yun disclosed it. He was fired shortly thereafter in retaliation. Mr. Yun believes this was the straw that broke the camel's back. Such conduct by Defendants violates California statutes and common law.
Causes of action asserted in the complaint include age discrimination, failure to prevent discrimination and harassment, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and emotional distress.
Mr. Yun is not the first to allege corruption at Samsung. Another whistleblower did so in the book Think Samsung published in Korea, as widely reported on, including in the New York Times. See http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/26/technology/26samsung.html?_r=0
SOURCE Phan Trial Group
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