Sex discrimination claimed by worker seeking more wages

A woman says she was terminated from her job after she alerted her employer of her intention to assert her rights to receive the same pay as her male co-workers.

Mary Lipe filed a lawsuit Oct. 5 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Mission Care of Illinois.

Lipe claims she worked for Mission Care from May 16, 2007, through March 19 this year. During her employment, Lipe and her female co-workers were paid less than their male co-employees, who performed most of the same work, according to the complaint.

Lipe contends that Mission Care's actions constitute sex discrimination.

After Lipe informed Mission Care of her intention to pursue her rights to receive the same pay as her male co-workers, she was fired, the suit states.

Because of her termination, Lipe sustained lost income, benefits, injuries to her reputation and mental anguish.

In the two-count suit, Lipe is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Joseph A. Bartholomew of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer and Shevlin in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-531.