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ARTICLE · 16 DECEMBER 2013

Discrimination Claim—Based On Association To Disabled Relative—Survives Dismissal Request

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In "Rope v. Auto-Chlor System of Washington, Inc.", plaintiff Scott Rope, a former branch manager for Auto-Chlor, sued his employer for violation of the newly-enacted Michelle Maykin Memorial Donation Protection Act.

United StatesEmployment and HR
Daniel McCoy
Daniel McCoy
Saundra Riley
Saundra Riley
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In Rope v. Auto-Chlor System of Washington, Inc., plaintiff Scott Rope, a former branch manager for Auto-Chlor, sued his employer for violation of the newly-enacted Michelle Maykin Memorial Donation Protection Act, discrimination for his association with a disabled person, and wrongful termination in violation of the public policy, among other claims. When hired in September 2010, Rope informed Auto-Chlor that he planned to take time off in February 2011 to donate a kidney to his physically disabled sister. He requested, and was granted, unpaid leave for this purpose. When California passed a new donation protection law that provided for paid leave to employees, Rope requested the leave be extended and paid.

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