Oregon Mill Worker Sues Company for Hostile Work Environment

A millwright with Roseburg Forest Products in Oregon has accused his employer of creating a hostile work environment after he complained about facing anti-gay slurs and other harassment form co-workers.

The Register-Guard reported that Travis Robinette last week filed a $750,000 lawsuit against the Springfield-based wood products company claiming retaliation and discrimination.

According to the lawsuit, Robinette complained to his supervisors multiple times since 2009 that he was being harassed by co-workers who apparently thought he was gay. Robinette argues that his supervisors have not adequately investigated his claims or acted to protect him from the sexual orientation-based harassment.

Robinette’s lawsuit comes after the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries dismissed a civil rights complaint that he had filed last year.

Roseburg spokeswoman Kellye Wise says the company has a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment.