L.A. County Nurse Reaches Tentative Settlement in Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit

A Los Angeles County registered nurse has reached a tentative settlement in her discrimination and retaliation lawsuit, in which she claimed she was repeatedly denied promotions and wage increases after speaking out about preferential treatment favoring Filipino and Asian-American nurses.

Case: Jessica Castillo v. Los Angeles County

Court: Los Angeles Superior Court

Case No.: 23STCV00176

The Plaintiff: Castillo v. Los Angeles County

Jessica Castillo, a registered nurse hired by Los Angeles County in September 2015, evaluated county hospitals and health facilities as part of her job. She alleges that beginning in late 2018, she and other non-Filipino nurses were subject to discriminatory work assignments and denied opportunities for promotion and higher pay after complaining about the treatment.

The Defendant: Castillo v. Los Angeles County

The defendant, Los Angeles County, is one of the largest public employers in California. The defendant denied Castillo’s claims. They claim that Castillo was promoted twice during her tenure, and received steady overtime. They also claimed that when Castillo was not selected for promotions, it was due to one of two valid reasons: 1) her own errors or 2) because other candidates were more qualified for the position.

History of the Case: Castillo v. Los Angeles County

Castillo’s complaint alleged that a program manager consistently gave more favorable assignments, telecommuting privileges, and overtime opportunities to Filipino and other Asian-American nurses, in violation of county rules and seniority rights. During the pandemic, favored employees were allegedly permitted to work remotely, while others (including Castillo) were required to work in the field. According to the plaintiff, the required field work allegedly exposed them to COVID-19. After complaining regarding the situation, Castillo claims she faced repeated denials of promotions until she was eventually transferred to another department in September 2021.

The Main Question to Consider in Castillo v. Los Angeles County:

The central question in this case is whether Los Angeles County unlawfully discriminated against and retaliated against Castillo in response to her complaints. Discrimination and retaliation in response to workplace complaints violates multiple labor laws as well as California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

FAQ: Castillo v. Los Angeles County

Q: What type of discrimination did Castillo allege?

A: She claimed race and national origin discrimination, alleging that Latino, Black, and white nurses were treated less favorably than Filipino and Asian-American nurses.

Q: What retaliation did she claim?

A: Castillo alleged she was repeatedly denied promotions and pay increases after filing complaints about the alleged discriminatory treatment.

Q: Was the case resolved?

A: The parties have reached a conditional settlement, which is pending final approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

If you believe you have been denied promotions, pay increases, or other job opportunities due to discrimination or in retaliation for speaking out, you may have legal options. Contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP today. Our experienced California employment law attorneys are ready to help protect your rights, with offices serving clients in Riverside, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chicago.