Employees of San Antonio’s Lion & Rose Sue, Alleging They Were Fired Over COVID-19 Symptoms
- Courtesy Photo / Lion & Rose Restaurant & Pub
Two former employees of Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub have sued in U.S. District Court in San Antonio, alleging they were sacked after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
In a filing made Monday, general manager Gary Bruce claims to have been terminated for confronting restaurant owner Allen Tharp about sick pay he should have been under federal rules after he took time off to quarantine. A separate filing from bartender Michael Summers alleges he was fired for taking time off to be tested.
The Current reached out to the restaurant’s public relations representative, who was unable to provide an immediate response. However, in an email to the San Antonio Express-News, owner Tharpe said his restaurant follows all legal requirements.
“We do not comment on pending litigation, but look forward to vindicating ourselves in court,” he said.
Under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, employers are required to provide sick leave when workers experiences coronavirus symptoms and take time off to get a diagnosis. The sick leave is required, regardless of whether the worker tests positive for COVID-19.
The former workers seek financial damages, lost wages and benefits, attorney fees and court costs.
The suits are among the first filed in San Antonio by employees who claim they were fired after taking time off to deal with COVID-19 symptoms. However, San Antonio attorney Michael V. Galo Jr., who represents the plaintiffs, told the Express-News they won’t be the last.
“We’ve got a couple more coming,” Galo said. “Most employers, it seems to me, are very caring, concerned, and are doing the right thing. But we are seeing some instances where employers, for whatever reason, are firing people for having COVID.”
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