Former Lowe's employee alleges sexual harassment

A woman has filed suit against a large home improvement retail company and manager for alleged sexual harassment that she claims took place between 2011 and 2014.

Hollie Bonvicino filed suit against Lowe’s Home Center, Inc., and Bennie Peebles, of Madison County, claiming workplace discrimination and harassment, on Feb. 11 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Bonvicino was employed by Lowe’s between May 5, 2011 and March 23, 2014, the suit says. She alleges that Peebles, a manager, directed sexual remarks and provocative gestures at her regularly and claims to have been driven to tears at work on at least one occasion.

After an incident on March 8, 2014, the suit states, the plaintiff was led to believe Peebles would no longer be working with her, but discovered on March 21 that he was still on site. Claiming that she was made to work directly with Peebles as an act of retaliation for complaining, she filed a discrimination charge with both the EEOC and the Illinois Human Rights Department on April 21, 2014.

The plaintiff claims that her work environment became hostile and intimidating and that she endured both emotional distress and loss of employment. She seeks damages in excess of $50,000, reinstatement to her position, back pay and benefits, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.

She is being represented in the case by Brian Polinske of Polinske & Associates, Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 15-L-173