Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 11 Filed 07/21/04 Page 1 of 1

NOT FOR PUBLICATION

CLOSED

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

____________________________________

)

)

ANNIE JUNIOR, et. al.,

)

)

)

Plaintiffs,

)

)

v.

)

)

WHITE CASTLE SYSTEMS., INC, et. al., )

)

)

Defendants.

)

____________________________________)

Civ. Docket No. 04-1658 Hon. Faith S. Hochberg, U.S.D.J. ORDER Date: July 20, 2004

Pursuant to the June 21, 2004 Consent Order, the Court ordered that, upon the filing of the amended complaint, this case is remanded to the Superior Court of New Jersey; and
it appearing that the amended complaint was filed on June 28, 2004; Accordingly, IT IS on this 20th day of July 2004, hereby ORDERED that this case is REMANDED to the Superior Court of New Jersey; and it is further ORDERED that this case is CLOSED.

/s/ Faith S. Hochberg HON. FAITH S. HOCHBERG, U.S.D.J.

 
 Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 10 Filed 06/28/04 Page 1 of 7

IIERBE]RT J. TAN, L.L.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW
744 BROAD STREET, 16TH FLOOR NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102 TELEPHONII NO: (973) 735-2681 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
A nnie Jumor, Mattie Thomas, Jm.o-Joye S ott, Rose Fetway, Markisha Booker, themselves and all others similarly S mated
Plaintiffs,
V5.
White Castle System, Inc., Barbara Foster, John Wbittah er, John Does (1-12) and XYZ Corporation (1-12)
Defendant.

Vt[ GLi yif.0
c; EP.P

p 2OPt JUN 28

3: 5

'l!ifYI fï.3

SUPERIOR COUIC OF NE«jERSEY

¿4- 01h LAW DIVISION: ESSEX COUNTY

Docket No:

- (..&i

CL ACTION

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT

Plain:iffs, through her attorney, HerbcrtJ Tan, by way of Complaint state:
Prçliminarv Statement and luÑdiction I Annie Junior is an African Ai-nerican female citizen of the United States, a resident of the City of
Jersey Cuy and State of NewJersey. 2 Mattie Thomas is an Afñcan-AmScan female citizen of the United States, a resident of the City
of Newark and State ofNewjersey. 3 Imo-Joye Scott is an African-American female citizen of the United States, a resident of the City
of Orange and State of New Jersey. 4 Rose Petway is an Affican-American female citizen of the United States, a resident of the City of
Orange and State of NewJersey 5 Marldsha Booker is an AfricanAmerican female citizen of the (thted States, a resident of the
C:ity of Grange and State of New Jersey. 6 Defendant White Castle System, mc, (hereinafter referred to as "Defendant Corporation") is a

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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 10 Filed 06/28/04 Page 2 of 7
lçgal entity under the laws of New Jersey and within the meaning of NJ.S.A. i 0:5-1 ei seq. and was, at all times mentioned in the complaint, the employer of Plaintiffs and the supervisory personnel acting as its agents. Defendant Barbara Foster is a managerial and supervisory agent/employee of Defendant c:oi-poratton who agreed together, and with others to retaliate against Plaintiffs for making cornpiail)ts about disparate treatment; Ñir discriminating againsi Plaintiffs; and for subjecting Plaintiff lo a hostile work environment This defendant is joined individually and officially. Defendant john Whittaker is a managerial and supervisory agent/employee of Defendant (:orporatton who agreed together, and with others to retahate against Plaintiffs for making complaints about disparate treatment; for discriminating against Plaintiffs; and thr subjecting Plaintiff to a hostile work environment, l'bis defendant is joined individually and officially. I)efendant John Doe (1-12) are managerial and supervisory agents or employees of D:fendant Corporation who agreed together, and with others to retaliate against Plaintiffs for making complaints about disparate treatment; and for subjecting Plaintiff to a. hostile work environment. These defendants are joined individually and officially
STATEMENT OF CLAIM i J. Plaintiff junior has faithfully served Defendant Corporation for a 22 years.
li. Plaintiff 'Thomas has faithfully served Defendant Corporation for a 27 years.
Plaintiff Scott has faithfully served Defendant Corporation for a 13 years. Plaintiff Petway has faithfully served Defendant Corporation for a 15 years. 11. Plaintiff Markisha had faithfully served Defendant Corporation for a 7 years. 15. Plaintiffs allege that the Defendant Corporation maintains a pattern of discrimination in
ernploynient on the basis of gender and race. As part of that pattern and practice, the
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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 10 Filed 06/28/04 Page 3 of 7
Defendant: a. Fails to maintain a hiring, promotion and transfer policy based on objective job-related
criteria that are uniformly applied toAfrican-American women-
b- Fills managerial openings through word of mouth recruiting which unfairly restricts the hiring, promotion and ttansfer of qualified African-American women.
C. Fails to promote African-American women to higher level managerial job classificationsLimit promotional opportunities for African-American women by failing to provide training opportunities accorded to non. African-American women. Relegates African-American wcmen to jobs with less visibthty, prestige, responsthility and prospects for promotion than those held by equally qualified non...African-A.mctican women
f Assigns and/or promotes and/or transfers African-American women co more dangerous
work areas and/or deparmients than those to which men are assigned, promoted or
transTerred to. Denies African-American women the opportunity accorded to equally or less qualified men
to handle supervisory assignments thus limiting African--American worn.ta' acquisitions of
professional contacts and recognition necessary for promotional prospectsSelec s employees for positions on the basis of critcria which have nor. been shown to be relevant and necessary to job performance and which are not uniformly applied to .Afric:mn-American women Relegate women disproportionately to jobs -with less responsibility, prestige and prospects for p:oniohon than those held by equally qualified men. 3 Disciplines African-American women employees more harshly as compared to non African-American female employees.
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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 10 Filed 06/28/04 Page 4 of 7
15- The policies described above are part of a pattern and practice of sex and/or race discrimination utilized by the Defendan.t and constitute a violation of NJ.S.A. 10:5-i et seq., also known. as the
Law Agnst Discrimination
RELIEF WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Court:
Rule that the matter is properly maintained a.s a class action;
Enter a judgment declaring that the acts and practices of the Dc-fendan.t are in violation of the law of the State of New Jersey;
Award Compensatory damages;
Award Pre-judent interest;
Award Post-judgment interest;
Award Punitive damages in the amount of $10,000,000 (TEN MIJL1ON DOLLARS); Award Costs of suit;
Award Reasonable attorneys fees as provided by New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination and Grant Plaintiffs and the class they represent such other and further relief as the Court deems just arid equitable.
SECOND COUNT 17. Plaintiffs repeats the allegations of the First Count as if fully restated herein. H. On or around September 2002, Plaintiffs, issued a formal complaint, through counsel, to
Defendant Corporation regarding inter a/ia the discriminatory practices of thei.r employer. 1?. On ot around Novernher 2002, Plaintiff Thomas witnessed Elizabeth Tykarski, Louis .Accrin
a-k.a. Alf]edo Perez, managers at 'White Castle #36, intentionally refuse to give out applications
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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 10 Filed 06/28/04 Page 5 of 7

to Africa:i Americans while giving out applications to non African Americans. Plaintiff Thomas complained to Sandy Montgomery. To Plaintiff Thomas' knowledge, no remedial actions were

taken.
23. In retaliation for complaining about discrimination, Plaintiffs were retaliated against in the

following manner:

Plaintiffs were subjected to a hostile work environment.

Plaintiffs were given downgraded work reviews.

e. Plaintiffs were unnecessarily disciplined.

Individual. Plaintiffs were forced to sign false disciplinary actions.

Individual Plaintiffs were publicly humiliated by upper management supervisors.

Plaintiffs were not allowed to apply for upper management positions. Individual Plaintiffs were subjectcd to derogatory radai comments. je. Plaintiff]unior
'as told by her Supen-isor John Whittaker, "I don't know how YOU PÍ:X)PLE live, but
'e at White Castles keep our Castles clean."

PLaintiffs were alienated from any decision making authority.

Individual Plaintiffs were demoted.

Plaintiffs were denied further training opportunities.

k, Plaintiff Markisha Booker was forced to resign.

I. Plaintiff Rose Petway was forced to resign.

In 2 1. Said allegations amount to violations of 1\LJ.SA. lOS-i et seq.. also known as tb.e

Against

Discrimination due to retaliation for eomçlaining about discriminatory conduct.

22. As a com;equence of the aforementioned acts, plaintiff has been damaged as previously set forth.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests judgment against all defendants for monetary damages,

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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 10 Filed 06/28/04 Page 6 of 7
bDth compensatory and punitive, both past and prospective, both several and joint plus costs, and U Ltetest for vtolaüon of New Jersey's I.sw Against Discrimination-
THIRD COUNT 23 Plaintiffs repeat the allegations of the previous paragraphs as if fully restated herein.
21- Defendant's actions amounted to negligent, reckless and intentional inflicton of severe emotional distress on Plaintiffs-
25. Defendant's actions have been consented to by persons high in the Defendant company who ate in policy making positions and have negligently, recklessly or intentionally allowed Defendant to discriminate and/or retaliate against Plaintiffs.
25. As a consequence Plaintiffs have been harme&
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs requests judgment for monetary damages both compensatory aid punitive plus costs, interest and attorneys fees-
FOURTH COUNT 27. Plaintiffs repeat the allegations of the previous paragraphs as if fully restated herein. 2S. Said allegations amount to violations of Article I, Paragraphs i and 5 of the New Jersey
Constitution as Plaintiffs were so discriminated against because they are women and/or because they are African-American and/or because they are women. 2). As a consequence of the aforementioned acts, Plaintiffs have been damaged as previously set
forth.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request judgment against the Defendant for monetary damages, bDth compensatory and punitive, both past 'md prospective, both several and joint plus costs, and uLterest for violation of Arti.cl.c I, Paragraphs I and S of the New Jersey Constitution,
JURY DEMAND Plainiiffs request for a jury as to all issues set forth in the complaint except those relating to
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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 10 Filed 06/28/04 Page 7 of 7

e. ass action certification. I:ated: June 2,2004

HERBERT J. TAN, L.L.C.
.Aornfy(J)frr the Plain4jf
LIx.6 j
Byy erbert). Tan

DESIGNATION OF TRIAL COUNSEL

Herbert J, Tan, Esq., is hereby designated as nial counsel for the above captioned

n Latter.

HERBERT J. TAN, LL.C.
A1tonry(s)for the Pththtff

i:'ated: June 2, 2004

b!
8ertJ. Plan

CERTIFICATION I hereby certify dut to the best of my knowledge, the within matters 111 controversy ate not tite subject of any other action pending in any other Court or of a pending arbitration proceeding
nr is any acLion or arbitration proceeding contemplated nor are other parties requited to be joined
in dus action.

HERBERT J. TAN, L.L.C. A#onzy(J)for the Piain&

Dated: June 2, 2004

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 Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 7 of 19 PageID: 7

ERT J. TAN, LIt.C.

RNEYS AT LAW!

STJt.RB'T. 16TH PLOOai

I NEW JERSEY l)7U02

i

ONlt NO, (lJ73) 733.-2&81.

¥V ¥OR PI..AJNTIPF

An1'Lie J rUor, Mattie Thot'uu, !rf.0-Joye

Scan, ost: P e~y. :Ma.:kish~ Bodku. chenut: yes :Lud Illl O~Q3 .wnj.l&.ttly

S;~<lte

.

SUPli.RIOR COURT OP NRW JEMa V

L - ' LAW DrvtSION, ESS~ COUNTY

Dock., No,

l..o2"D - o-j

Plaintiffs, l

'.rs.

,

I

White eude System., Inc., :aazb";' Folter:,

}ohP "tts.ker.John DOe!. (1 - 1~)

lUld Z Corporation (1- 12) ,

,

, O . ,;-andwc-

, I

CIVIL ACTION
COMPl...AlNT AND JURY DEM.\ND

PlUnwfs, waugh hu "FtonloC")'. Hou:ben} . Tan. by..viy of Comp wnt St:llC~

r

PRHmip3tY Sqame..qt 99d }uri,dictigp

1.

~e.z:i.esn ~ "c Junior U IUl. Africa.c.

femJle ciriu:o of Uniu,d Sc£us•• re!lident of the Gty of

.y Ci.cy s.nd State (If Nj~ Jel'uy.

2.

, attie ThOn'lU 1.5 "0 ... &iCfb-Ame.ric&n fenule ci~e.n of the Uni'ted SfateS, .. resident. of the Ciry

(N~k ~d Stll.te. :>f N r ]en<ry".

, J . rno-Joye Scott is U1 Afd~an-Amcrlc.a.D. t~e cilUet\ of the United States, ·1. t esidell[ o f the Ciry

4 . R.ose P~y i. !3.11 A. ~-ArnI:riCJ.J1 fe~ citi:zen of the. United Suu-s. II. reudect of~.. C ity o [ Orange and State ofN Je.z:a...,..

City of On.rt8~ ·...nd 5[~H o£New J6necy.

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 8 of 19 PageID: 8

I

I

le entity <mdu the b.'~. ofjNew Jc.z:uy and w i thin tho n>.eaoing o! N.] .S.A. 10:5-1 #1 u '1' a..nd

in ~lai11t.. supervia:o~ .....,.,. :l.t ill tUne s mcoOo)ued. the

chc: employes: of pwu.Q.f!C IUld the

Pe): ~-J . .er:i.fte Sol its .~u.1

r

7. D enduu: Buba.n. F( ,ctoU is • nanagex:i.al ..ad supornaory .sent / emplo yee. ot 'C.::r..t>cian~

tO~~. ~gairu.t OJ:.tioc.. who agreed

&nd with otben to retali&te

Plaintiffs for makiag

i
disp.lrll.tc j'neacmenr; for diacrimj"..t:i.cs aaainst P12i.c.tiffs; and for $ubjecciag

err riff to ... hostile .....~ .J"k u-o tuneot. Tb.i!; defendant i.s joinod ind.i~i.dua.lly s a d o ffici1Uy .

8.

t. """, o<hc~ • ~1lod..a.nt J oba Wb.i ttakc: u. a nu.t:\ag eria.l ~ SUpervUDty ~t/ QlC.plo" • • of Defend1\nt

O'PO,,"tioD who , ,,",od

...,a wi'"

f., '0 u",""", ,,,,,in.. PWnrit'f,

"""""0

mpls.i.ncs about: dUpaza;[~ a-.an.enJ;: fot discriminating laainsc P\.t;intiffs; and for subjecU.ag
ImriH to .. b Ol'lrile. WQ,l:k 4,nvi:toruncnt.. nu...: d.f,. f~dl.Dt is joined indhidUAl.ly aQd o(6.ci:illy.
9 . e£endUl,[ John Doe. (t - tf) a..rc m.a.nagcria.l and IUP~o.cr lI.gcJ\Q at employees of Detc:adanc

o1:ponrioQ who agcee.d /togc:u.._. a.rtd with oth.e%s to rettJ.ia(C. .gains..: PLW:I.tiffs (or mtking

Th=e det~m;::;::';::::ffidsllY ornpla.U:sw ",beut c!u.p~cc crclitmes:n:; ?Jld t~ aubjecong Pla.oAtiU to a ho.~ w ack
Cn v k O n = L

10 P l"Lirnif£ JUftiQ.f. ru..r. £u~y s&<.rved D cfen.dll.nt: C<npo~ciot'l. for. 22 yeau"
- 1"·'·-"
, l . PWo,tiffThomu b.a!, faithfully SCNed Defendant C Ol:po rat!Du fOE" 2' y""u; "

1 , "Plai..o:ci.£fScou ~ f.ith~ served Oefcnd..nt: Cozt'on.rion fot: a 13 yean"

I

1 " PlAirtt:i!fPetw:ay bu f&idduny s.nroe.d Defe.ndA.D.t Corpontion for .. 15 YeaJ:'I "

LthfullY ye~. 1 . Pb.inciffMukisla b s.d

served D efends.nt Corpon.rion fOI: I. : "

s. Pt.int:i.f{s allege that:

.......p1oy -.....rlt: o n d l C :I..is o f ger.ud.ez: ".cd ~C:4. As part of that p.~ ...nd. p~ci.c:e. the

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 9 of 19 PageID: 9

I

Den"""c

I i

a. Path to mamtun a hlririg, pr<)Q)o aoa. and c:ranst'u pOlicy 't)-a,e(! c>n. Obj..eUct4 job-reate.d
=,,",,, ..... _. ucilOnn1~ .pplied ",Afri~n·Ameri<an w=<n.

b. rills man.~&1 opcc.i.o." tluough word of mouth r~tms ...rtu.:h UJ1fairly rc:stric~ m e

r

•

hiDng. pl:omotion nod Wlnsfer of q\lalified A..&i.c~-Ameri.ean women. ', .

pl:o:m.ot~ ~cd:U c Fails [0

A &ica+-Amaican women co high= kv61

job c:lasa.ifications.

LiaUt p.rom.o~Jl~ PPP+.t~ti= (O~ A&:ic..n·American women by raw.llg to provide ttl\ining

opponuniti"'..'~cc rdCcl/tO non h£rican-.Amukan women.

, Relegate::l ...\fd,C:a.n -AtnJaCOUl wo=.en ~o jobs wich leu visibility, 1'E"e:lQ.go. sC$ponsibility and i
PJ;Osp"'cu fo!: ~Il:ornoti~n th£n. those held by e.qwJly 'l~ o.on-.\£riun-ArnCJ:i.cUl women.

Ass.i8'U IU'ld/ot prornhca. and/or talnsfe.n Aman-J\me:rica# 'Worn<&A to D'l~e dUlogcrow

I

wo~ IU"~ and} Or depanm.eotS tb-..o ~o.e to whicb. 1Xl.~ &l e usigncd. po:ornQu,d, 0"

ttans{~d. to.

J

g. Denie:s A6::i.eul-JunJa.n women t:h.t! oppmtunlty I.cc.orc;le<l to cqu.a.lly 00: ku qu:l.li6ed men

,~p~iso4 to handl.

usigruncnrs tbw li=.icing A&:ioo.n-.!un.e:iCl.n women" acquisitio.ns of

professional COOcs.c~Uld recognition necC:8SUY fOJ: pro::o.ocio~ ptOlpecu.

, h . S.~cts emp~Y~;~~..f.~l: p'~itioDd 0 ':'" tho b ••ii. of eriteria which hhVe: C!.Ol been d •.oUoln <" be relevant ald _ n::.cuta.ry to Job perfortJU.n~e: Uld which ace 'lOt ucifo.an1y applied to

A&ican-fu:neric:w ~r:n~
,
L R~ga_ WCUUC;:l .. Pl"OpO~()JU.~ tQ job.. -.vith Le... retponsibuity. prestige 'lind P(osp.c~

for pl:olXlotion Ihan tho,e held by equally qualified rn.~.

j.

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 10 of 19 PageID: 10

16. e polici.cA d~c.cibc:d abo <': ~e ptt.n of a pattero and practice. gf lelC l.nd/<n l'a.r;.e di:,ai.tni.nati.ol1

tiliz~ by the Duend2.nl;fd COCl!Cl.U1t6 ... violarion of NJ.S.A.. 10:5·1 c:c st!:q.) abo laI.ow-n ... me
VI Aga.in:>t DisQ::UJU.IULO

RELlEF

\17HE~:t"ORE, Pb.iit,t:i.ff. respectfully request we this Court
.,"o~, 1) Rw. <h.&, <he """",r isjP'Ope<lY """'''''',d ... duo

2 } EQtct a judgmenT cl.e~g W~ the acts and p.cac.ril:es of the D~: :endant IU"C i1l violation of

U;~tej·S~~:·:nd me laws of the:

Selte ofN.w Jeney;

(3) A"OiI"IU:d compe.o..,.r.oJ dan::uLges;
~ce.ru'CO (4) Awa.rd Pu-judp.enr

(5) Awud POSt-iud8lnenr intc%CSC;

(6) Awud Punitive i g c : s i.e. the:. aulQUftC at $10,000,000 (ffiN M!U..!O~ DOLLA1\.S);

I ( 7) A~ COStli of nut;

.

(8) Awud .R..caionable aftorneys feet u ~.d by §706(k) of the Civil Righcs het of 1 964,42

f.-w U.S.C. §2000e-S(k).

Jar.;.ey's Law Agaic.sc Olsct'im.ination and

(9) G.r:ant Pl2intiffs ,md ~c clJus they represent such ath~ artd fuuber relief as the COU(1: dec=s

j....u :a.Dd ~~t:ab~II. 1
I
,

SECOND COUNT

. Pl3.inti£fs .t:epests thf'. ~rtion. of th6 Pint c,.,UO! U if fully ~estllte:d I::.eccia.

1 • On or N:Oun~ Sep teJbe:l: 2002. Pil.inriffs, issued & {oanal c<;:n:np..Auu, waugh counsd. to

Defenda.nt COtp03tLo reguding i,",,.aIia the disc:ciminatory pn.eD.c.e!; of their employer.

Il.k,.a. JUb:edo Pone~. n+~~'m:9 at Whice C~sde #36, intc:u:ioraDy nfuse to giv.

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 11 of 19 PageID: 11

,.hill An~~", A£ri;'" An=ic.m

S''''''g ou, application, to non A ....=

Plaintiff Tho",,",

M~o:wzr. t-=n~l ~cei.o.IU =pl&iP.c:d to S-.ndy

To PlAintiff Thomu' knowledge, no

were

20. n retaliation £01< eeup

follo-..vio& ma.o.n.er.
il. :f>l.aU:l1i£& ....e..:e ~u Ijeeted to ~ hosd.l.c: wotk eu....u~1;.
b.

C. Pl.ai6\ciffl. we~~ ece.ssuily di$ciptinecL

d. Itldividw.l PainUlf:t 'l¥are forecd to sigu £WIse dlacipJinuy action.s. .

Pls.in~f! ~cmeot e. In.d.ividual

\pUC: publicly hurnilian::d by uppes

!l.lpuvi,ot'S,

Dr[i
f. Plaintiffs W~(; rillowed to apply for upper man-.gement positions.

IndiYi<iu...l Ph.io.rf& were :subjecwd to dc:cogatozy n.ci&l COGUn.e1l.U. ie. Plaintiff J unior

wu (old by h~.c J Sup~o. gh.d. Whittake~ "I don't know hO",- YOU P'£oPl..E Live, but
. I
we: at Wh.i.tc C.~t:i.e8 keep ow: Cudcs dcor.tt-"

~ted ~g h. Pbitltif& .....H ..

from Uly cU:cision

..uthoaty.

i. IndividUAl pile. w«. demoted.

J. PlaintiIfs ~ :~II:., t~.\-=1 fUi"tb,et ~g oppornulitics,

M"~h,,& k... Pla.intiff .

Booka w..s fotced [0 reli....,. ~-

, 1. P\ain:d.ff Rose f'c~y =u (creed to resign.

1. Se.i.d -likgsaons '1m.oulu (0 violations of N.]'sA- 10,5_1 ,1 uq.• wo known u the:L-aw .hgainn

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 12 of 19 PageID: 12
I
oRl.p~p.aan::u;y Il.D.d puPiJ. haUl past &Ad pt'o~ectivc. both :levera~ and joint plus c::~t:I. and
!
I t EoI:' vioation o;>fNew Jeisey's Law Aga.U:1ot Di.~tioll. THllU) COUNT
23. l~ci£fs rcput the fIll.~ :S-rirA:l of th~ previo~ pa,ragnplu "' if tully I:C lta~~ he!;oUn..

24. efendant'~ acrions LDlO need to negUgc:nt. ~"" !1Il.Ci intenti~oa1 : in.£W:.tioo of seve.r.e

-notional dUtxess au. P . 'fa..

25. .t"endaru's acticOli ..h..a.ve . ."" "'-I:-o.n."'s.entcd to by P'l"SOl'lI high in the Deflo:od.§.nt C01'l:lp.ny who

e in policy nuklng IIdaon, acd bsve ncgligendy. reclde:ssly or inccncion.uy "Allowed

disc;.timjN.i Defe.ndlult to

and / or ",etDliate ag..i.nlf 'Pw.ntiff3-

20 As a. con.a.cq.-.aee. Plaintiffs have been baaned..
I
WHEREFORE, P~tiff. req~" judgment for ruonetuy Wrt.Ag~. bQrh com.penu,tory

on ?u.nitivc plu" COSt$, illCUfst uad fl1:t.oa:U:Y' (a...

, I ,

FOURTH COUNt'

2 . Pl:&intiffs repeat the f~ci.oC. of ch. previous panirtPhl AI if t'ul1y t'~ut:au;:d h.• ...,.i.a..

i
Z • Said aUcg1u:i.o n. ~,:.unr to violations of Amck r, PU1l!ppha 1 .lind 5 of the N ew Jexsey

Constitution as Pb..irlci!fS we.re $0 dlsc:dmiwued ag.inst because UtIi!Y *cc woman :lnd /ot' be<;ause

, !

o;b.y 1>1;:02 Afric'CUl •.A.a..e.rio~ and/or bec;au.e tb..y .....e ~omen.

, ~ • • 1 .....jo. ~ ;,."

., ..

. .l\s .. c:on.COfUc.n._ ..£ ~ afon,U/,ez:u.;o.oed. a(:ts. p~tiffs have been •.hn:ulged. at previou<ily sec

i

forth.

,

W"HEREPORB. l?l1i4tiffs l"equc.st judgment again-t the Defeacu-D[ for monetary dJunage""

oth cowpensa:r.ocy An·:! p nitive.. both PA5[ :l.nd prospective, both. ~_en.t snd joinc plus COIt~ , and.

~_est ror vio11ltion of A de I , P-arAf9"&PM 1 IUld 5 of the New Jersey CC.l"Ut.inJocloA.

IlJaYDBMAlSD

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 13 of 19 PageID: 13

ma. e.z:.

D cd: Jaau.azf 1.5, 2 004

l

C'fllTXFlCA.'IlOIi

~ ,,~, """~ 1 b_eby oucify "'" <be

of my

....... ",. wiiliin -"as in conuoveny "" no'

ubi=~o <h ",bie<' of ""1 0m" 0' .c+o peoding in .01 od,o< Co"'" of ••""ding

.,oce<dw•

~."""'. " " ••oy ••cion 0' ubl"".,•.n ••

=m=.lo,ed no. n. 0"''' ."de......;..d '0 b. I"""d

 
 Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 1 of 19 PageID: 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

APR - 8 '

_l.!?') ' :,CF" : ..

. "1

. ~ : I . •"I"! ,,' ":" ' :' I ~;

JOHN J. PElRANO (JP 7644) CARPENTER, BENNETT & MORRISSEY Three Gateway Center 100 Mldberry Street Newark, New Jersey 07102-4079 973-62 2-7711 Attorneys for Defendants White Castle Systems, Inc., Barbara Foster, and John Whittaker

ANNIE JUNIOR, MATTIE THOMAS, IMO-JOYE SCOTT, ROSE PETWAY, MARKISHA BOOKER, THEMSELVES AND ALL OTHERS SlMILARLY SITUATED,
Plainti fTs,
v.
WHITE CASTLE SYSTEMS, INC., BARBARA FOSTER, JOHN WHITTAKER, JOHN DOES, AND XYZ CORPORATION,
Defendants.

o Civil Action No.
fj -/C:. .s--cF
r:r-J#)
NOTICE OF REMOVAL

TO THE CHIEF JUDGE AND JUDGES OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY: The Notice ofRemoval ordefendants White Castle Systems, Inc. (Hercillafter " White Castle"), Barbara Foster (hereinafter "Foster"), and John Whittaker (he£elnafter "Whittaker") (collectively referred to as "defendants"), submitted by their undersigned attonleys, in accordance with the provisions of28 U.S .C . § 1446, respectfully shows that this action appropriately is r emoved from the Superior Court of New Jersey, as follows:

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 2 of 19 PageID: 2

l.

Defendants are named defendants in a civil action brought in the Superior

Court ofNew Jersey, Law Division, Essex County, entitled "Annic.Tunior, Mattie Thomas, Imo-loye

Scott, Rose Petway, MarkishaBooker, Themselves and All Otbers Similarly Situated, Plaintiffs, vs.

'Nhite Castle Systems, Inc., Barbara Foster, Jobn Whittaker, John Does, and XYZ Corporation,

Defendants," bearing Docket No. L-1630-04. This action was commenced on or about February

26, 2004, by plaintiffs Annie Junior, Mattie Thomas, Tmo-Joye Scott, Rose Petway, and Markisha

Booker, and purportedly also on behalf of "All Others Similarly Situated" ("plaintiffs"), by and

through their attomeys, by the filing of a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law

Di vision, Essex County. A. copy of said Complaint is annexed hereto as Exhibit A.

2.

White Castle received a copy ofthe Summons and Complaint in this matter,

through service or otherwise, on or about March 18,2004, via hand delivcry at White Castle's

headquarters locatcd at 555 W. Goodale Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. A copy oflhe unsigned and

undated Summons rcceived by Whitc Castle is annexed hereto as Exhibit B. Although they have not

becn scrved, Foster and Whittaker first received copies of the Summons directed to \\'hite Castle

subsequent to March 18, 2004. In filing this Notice of Removal, defendants do not waive any

defects in service of process of the SUllllnons and Complaint upon them.

3.

The aforesaid unsigned and undated summ.ons directed to White Castle, and

the Complaint, represent all the process and pleadings seen by defendants, and no hearings or other

proceedings have taken plaee in this action to defendants' knowledge.

4.

This Notice of Removal is being filed within 30 days of first receipt by

defendants of copies of the Summons and Complaint as required by 28 U.S.C. § 1446(b), thereby

2

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 3 of 19 PageID: 3

allowing defendants to remove this action on the basis of federal question jurisdiction pursuant to

28 U.S.C. § 133l.

5,

The essence ofthe claims asserted by plaintiffs is that the defendants allegedly

discriminated against the named plaintiffs, and others purportedly similarly situated, on the basis of

their race (African American) and sex (female), and by treating them disparatcly in tenns and

conditions ofthcir employment with White Castle, allegedly in violation of the laws of the United

States, the New Jer-sey Law Against Discrimination, and the N cw Jersey Constitution_ Plainti ffs also

allege that defendants unlawfully retaliatcd against them for complaining of the aforesaid conduct

and other allegedly discriminatory conduct. Plaintiffs also assert claims against defendants for

"negligent, reckless, and intcntional inl1iction of severe emotional distress on Plaintiffs."

6.

More specifically, in the First Count oftheir Complaint (styled a "Statement

ofClaim"), plainti ffs allege that White Castle maintains a "pattern ofdiscrimination in employment

on the basis of gender and race," inter alia, in its practices pertaining to its hiring, promotion,

transfer, and disciplining of employees. (See Complaint ~~ 10-16). Plaintiffs seek, inter alia, class

action status; ajudgment "declaring that the acts and practices of the Defendant are in violation of

the laws orthe United States and the State ofNcw Jerscy"; and attorney's fees pursuant to Section

706(k) orthe Civil Rights Act of 1964,42 U.S.c. § 2000e-5(k), and the New Jersey Law Against

Discrimination_ (Complaint, "Relier' §§ (1), (2), (8) (unnumbered paragraph following,r 16».

7.

In the Second Count of their Complaint, thc named plaintiffs allege that the

defendants violated their rights under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, N.,T,S.A. § 10:5-1

et~, by retaliating against them for complaining to their employer about White Castle's allegedly

discriminatory employment practices and other allegedly discriminatory conduct by certain Whitc

3

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 4 of 19 PageID: 4

Castle managers. Plainti ITs contend that the defendants, inter alia, subj eeted them to a hostile work

environment, gave them downgraded work reviews, unnecessarily disciplined, demoted or denied

them prolllotional or training opportunities, subjected them to derogatory racial comments, and, in

the case of two employees, forced them to resign from their employment with White Castle.

(Complaint'I'1 17-20).

8.

In the Third Count of their Complaint, the named plaintiffs allege that

"[d]erendant's actions amounted to negligent, reckless, and intentional infliction ofsevere emotional

distress on Plaintiffs." (Complaint'I'123-26).

9.

In the Fourth Count of their Complaint, plaintiffs allege that the conduct

alleged in the First, Second, and Third Counts ofthe Complaint amounted to violations oftheir rights

under Article T, Paragraphs 1 and 5 orthe New Jersey Constitution. (Complaint'I'1 27-29).

10. Inasmuch as plaintiffs' employment discrimination claims and claims for

attomeys' fees in Count One of the Complaint arise in part under the laws of the United States, this

Court has original jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U .S.C. § 1331, and this action properly

is removed to this Court pursuant to 28 U .S.C. § 1441(b).

1 1. Pursuant to 28 U .S.C. § 1367(a), this Court also has sLlpplementaljurisdiction

over the state law claims asserted by plaintiff in Counts One, Two, Three, and Four, in that such

claims arise from the same common nucleus of operative facts as plainti Frs claims under the laws

of the United States. Therefore, these supplemental claims are removable pursuant to 28 U.S.c.

§ 1441 (c).

12. All non-fictitious defendants in this action (i.e., White Castle, Foster, and

Whittaker) consent to its removal to this Court.

4

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 5 of 19 PageID: 5
WHEREFORE, defendants White Castle Systems, Tne., Barbara Foster, and John Whittaker pray that this cause proceed in this Court as an action properly removed thereto.
Dated: April 8, 2004
5

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 6 of 19 PageID: 6
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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 7 of 19 PageID: 7

i
ERT J. TAN, L.l}.C.
RNEYS AT lA.'Wl
ST1t.EJn", 16TH l'LOOa1
I NEW JERSEY 071<'2 ;
T:el,..EP ONlt NO, (9'73) 735··2681 ATTOR J1;Y FOR PLAINTIPF

Annie J nior. Mllnie Thotnas, ~o-Joye

Scott. osc Pe~y. Maxkisl,;1 Booker. chems~ :ves and ill o~us wnila..l,i

Sitwu.e

.

, I

i Plaintiffs,

"S.

,

I

White Casde Systetn, Inc., :Sub+ Fo.~,

John ·tWteJ:.Joho Doe.. (1 - 1~)

and Z Coxporation (1-12)

j

SUPERIOR COURT OF NE.W JE.RSE.Y
0--1 L..o\W DIVISION: ESSEl{ COUNTY"
Oocke~No; L - \ 1..o ,2"D -
CIVIL ACTION
COMPLAINT AND JURY DEMAND

De,:endvllt. !

I
PaintiIfs, thJ:o\lgh hu ..,~, to=cy. HubenJ. Tan. byway ofCompwnt sate:

pyUmipatf ague.ep:" 291 Jprisdictigp

1.

~e:z:i= nie Junior is an African

female: citizen of the UDit..d SCAteS... resident of the City of

..y c.;.~ and State (,f N t Jersey.

.

2. .tti.e Thomas is an .\f:d~American female citi2en of tho Uni~d Stat~. a resident of the City

:>fNr iN...vark &!ld State

i
Jenc:y.

3. mo-Joye Scott is an Afdr-AIneri.ca.n female citizen. of the United SInes, ·... r.eside!1t of the City

of Orange IUld State :If N,,- J<ttCcy.

4 . ROlle Pe.:way i .. An A:riei-AIncriCan femak cici2.n of the United Statu, a resid=t of the C ity of
OrlUlge and State of N J..reey.

5. Ma.ckishQ. Booker is an Wcan-Am.=ic:an f~ale citizen of the United StatCS, a resident of the

City of Oange.and 51:0'" of New Janey.

6 Defendant Whiu: Cas Syste=, Ine., (hereinAfte: :efec::ed to :u "D..foMQllt CO.-POJ::ltlOO"} is a

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 8 of 19 PageID: 8

I

I

lega entity under the 12.-:1;'" of lNew Jersey and within tho =.4Ging of NJ.S.A. 10:5-1 ItT ,w'j. :o.nd.

L ==plain~ employ~ ""'" at ill tUnes mentio)ned the

the

of PlaUn:i.f£C _d the supe=isoJ:Y

pel: =-.1 a.eting A& ic:s a..l='ts./

!

7_

endant: Bubaza F(,~teo: is a. ma.nagen.t And sup~ory agent/employee o£ D.::tcndan<

agEeed tokethca;, an.d .mtb otben to reea.liace npinst Plaintiffs fo~ nWcing
f
er dispante /tIeacment; fm:: diac:rim.isl"'t:ing ~st Pbilltiffs; and for aubjecting i
. riff to a ho.stile w(.:<k l ironment. This defendan£ i$ joined. individually and officiAlly.

s. ..£eMa.nt John Whittakc is a. managerial and supervisory agent/en::.ploy•• of Defendant

,,-S".!oed tfletb.e%. and with OtheH co retaliate :Lll'linst Pl.a..intif'!s fo" malW>g mplainrs about: dispan.~i ~""anent; for disc.ri%:ninating against PlIIintiffs; and fo~ subjecting

. lainri££' to :a. hostile 'Worle 4nviromncnt. This defendant is joined indi"qidually and oti">ciilly. .
9. e£endant JOM Do. (1-1f) arc m.aJJ£gcrial and sup~ozy ,,"sellts Ot employees of Defendant

o!:poration who agcced /tog"ther. &:>d ..nth other.s to .etali'Ate "B"'inscPlAintiffs for making

omplaiosao ",bout disptlj'lfc treatmeut; and for: subjecting Pla.u:LtifI [0 a ho.1:iLa work

detAtl.tS environment. Theu

are i~ed individually and officially.

I i

STATEMENT OF CLAIM

10 'Plalncf£JUNot hu f,uth~y served Defendant C0"P0~"-tion fOJ: s 22 yea.xs.

. . .j"....... .

1 . PlaintiffThom.as ha.<, faithfully seNed DefcnduII: Cotpon.t:iDn !o~" 27 y_"" _ I ! · PWnciffSeoct boo.a f8ith£4lly seNed Oe{cnds.n1: Coq>Oftrion for. a 13 yean.

i

· PWrttiffPeewsy has faidfully saved Defcndant Corpondon for .. 15 y-=.
~. · Plaintiff Mukisha had kthfullY setved Defcnd._. Corp=a.1ion for. ,., yea.cs.

5. Plaintiffs allege 'Chat

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 9 of 19 PageID: 9

I

I

f

D enciant

I
, I

~ a. Pails t:o maintain ..

promoci.oc>. And trans£e: policy baseC on object:tve jcb-rel.ted

~ urufCunlt c..rire:Ca <h.. ue

applied toAiriClul-Amccican women.

b . Fills maaagenlLl opc~~ th=ugh woxd of mouth re=iting which uafWly I:estricts [he

j

~ •

hiting, p!:omotion nne!. tlJansfer of qualified A£ric.an-.A.meriu.n wo~en. ,.

~o c Fails to promote .A &:kll+-AmeriCan women high=: level tna""'S.,ci1l job cl.lsaific..tions.

Li:znit P:rCmOtipAa.) ,.9PP+;~~cie" for AUican-A.mecican women by failing to pro9'id.. .""ining

opporru.niti"$ "cccrded!tO non African-American women.
Relegates Afi::ican .Amrc.... ,,",0= to. jobs with less visibility, !.~s~, J:esponsibility a.nd

prospe..u for PXOlnDti1 n than those held by e<O{wr.llY'l.ualified non-....frican-Arnc.ri.can women.

Assigns and/Olt prom~cea and/Dx tDlnsfen Africsn-Ame:cic_ "Wotnan to InC.I:<: dangerous

I

,,",od<. <U:e2S and/ Dr depuanem:s th..n tho... to which s:cen ve assigned, p=m.o."ci o.

I ttUlst=ci to.
A£ri,:an-ll.lIl~eat1 o=e~ ~lIS g. Denies

......

the oppo:t:tu:Dity accorded to. e'jUAlly OJ: qualified men

s~p~is01 to handle

assignments thus limiang A&ic...n·Am.e.cia.n wemens' acquisitions cf

pl:ofessionai con~tsl and recegniticn neccssUY {oJ: p=oaonal p<o.pectS.
h. Set..cu emplcY~i?$.. f.~t: ..r~ition.. on d>.e bsci.. of ctiteria. which hhve not been ~ho""n <0 be
I
relev1l.D~ aod n=ufur to job perfonnance and which are not uniformly applied to

A&ican-Ame.ric:w...,brncn.
i
i. Rclega~ ""ome;:l ·'prop0rUon:a.tely to johs wid>. t..s.. responsibility, prestige and p,:o$paccs

for pro%Dotion lhan those held by equally qualified men.

j.

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 10 of 19 PageID: 10

16. e policies described abo e are part of:a pattero and practice. of.ex •.nd/or ~a.ce ~crinUnatiol'1
tili:z~ by the Defendan1:f'd c:oo.ti.=te a vi.olAcion of N.]'sA 10:5·1 et: seq., abo kn"""o u ch.e
ow AglLinst Disc:>:unillari

r

RELlEF

WHEREFORE, PlaiAtiif" ~.pect£ully request that th.UI Court

1) Rule tha.t thematrer islpropedY :maintaitled as" das..."uon:

wt 2) Enter 2. judgrncnr ded.z3.ng

the: aets and pxaetice:$ of the De::e:ndll.nt a..c: in violAtion of

tJ;utejs~~~~'":nd the laws of the

$e&te of New J=ey;

(3) Award comp6l!l."<oJ darcul.ges;

(4) Awa.z;d Pre-judgn.enr lnt:ere$(; I
(5) Aw;a.rd l'ost-iudgnu:.nr interest; (6) Aw;a.rd Punitive c~ges in the a=ouat of $10,000,000 (TEN MIlLION DOLLARS);

(7) h....-.-i co,,~ of suit;

(8) AWlUd Reasonable a~Onleys fee. as ~d by §706(1o:) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,42

+~ U.S.C. §2000...-S(k}.

Jersey's Law Against Dlscrim.in.a.tion acd

(9) G..ant PlGintiffs "nd ~e cla$s they represe:nt such oth<!U: and funber relief as the Calm: dec=

I j"'~~ :and eq~tab~~. i.
j
, i

SECOND COUNT

. Plaintiffa :(epests the, aJUgations of th.. Fiut COUDt u i£ fully J:e<!tllted herein.

. On 01; around SepteJbeo: 2002. Phtintiffs, issuea & foalUJ. COlDP:~J:, waugh counsel, to

Defendant Cos:poz:atio reguc!iDg j"lIraiUz the disc:imin&toq pnctiUl: of their employes:.
T __ •

a.k.2.• .hifredo Perc2:, nlI''''''''S'"" 2.t White Casde #36, inte.ntioruUly nnlSe to giv.

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 11 of 19 PageID: 11

I

Afri~ "'~ AnJ.cricans

gi'O'icg OUt applications to !lOO Afri<!Ul Art...ric:ans. PlAintiff ThoMU

MO~~. ~c:mediAl am.plaUled to Sandy

To PlAintiff ThOlDa" knowledge:. no

"",,cions were

n eor",Ipt w_. ".. 20. retaliation fot

s about discriminatioD., Plaintiff,.

aliated &~$t in the

followina: lUlUltI.eJ;:
a. PlaiJ>.tiff. ....e..:e su 'ieered to a hostile worlt eATiI:~...

b.

Q. Plai.ru:iffs werl'

ec~sarily disciplinecl

w...,. d. IndiVidual P~.inQ££;s

forced to sign false disciplinary actions. .

e. IndividUAl. PI1.mJfS were publicly humiliakd by upp.... lDanagemellc sl.lpuvisors.
i
f. Plaintiffs w~c ntr. allowed to apply fOJ; uppe.: maQage!nenr. po sitions.
g. Inc:liYidUAl PIUnt:-flS were ~ubjecwd to dctog&tQry .:acW. cozrun.eo.ts. ie. Plaintiff Junior
, was [old by her . UP~OJ: J ohn Whinake~ "I don't \(now how YOU PEOPLE. live, but .
we: at White Ca~tI.ee ke~ O~ Ca.sdcs clean....
h . Plaintiff's 'WIOcte ~ted from any decision =a.k:lng ..utbon~.
; i. Individual P~£fs were demoted.
j. PloaintiIfs ~~'.s;~ . ~~ further tJ:aini.ng opportunities.
k. Plaintiff Ma~ha. Booker wa~ fotc:ed to resign..
I
1. Plaintiff Rose 'f'etway '<I7U {oreed to resign.
r
1. Said ill~tions Ulloubt to violations of N.],sA. 10:5-1 ~r Ilq•• alao known :as the Law.l'l.goUn3<

DiscrinUnation d~. retaliation fO:l: C01Uplaining abo\lt discriminator:' conduct.

22. As a consequence .:>! e af=ern_tioned 2CU. pl».intiffh&$ been dAlnaged. Ii" p.,."..ious!y ...~ £orm_

WH:E:REFOllE Plaintiff requesgs judg=ent ..g:ain.~ ill defen<isnts for monetary danuges,

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 12 of 19 PageID: 12

I

bod.,.

i

severa.~ ~d o"""pensac04y and. PUaitiJ. bow past and. prospective, both

and joint plwo COSts.

I
I ~ for .nolattoQ bfNe'''' ]eaisey's Law .Agahat Di.~tion. THIRD COUNt

23. 19,jnaffs l:epeat the <Lll(:s;ariFAS of the previous ps.n.gn.phs Ill' if fully r.. ,ta~~ci b~ot1n..

24. efendanl:' s actions :uno ' nted CO negligent, "cc:.kleu 3M intenti·:mal'.'w£lictioo of severe

25 , e.end.an~s a.c.ticns have been <;onsented <0 by p.rsons high in the Def<:ndllot cOlllpany w ho

. : . •. • "..

. ·~l.: ·t '.• '. '.:'" ..,; ,.' "

e in policy =alc.i.ng sioions and have negligendy, l:ccldesaly Ol: intentionally allowed

dis<;.t:imjnA1 Defendant to

Uld/or ",,,,UtJi.,,te agamar Plaintiffs.

I
26 As a COn<l"'<iuenc.. PlAint:ifjf's have beel\ bAnned.. I
WHEREFORE, P~tiffs requests jUdgment fox monctary c1u.u.g... both competlsato~

punitive plus costs, iHterfst and lItto=cy_ f.....

I
FOURTH COUNT

I
2 , Painrif£s repeat the f~tio..." of th. PI:ev10US paxa~phs as if fUlly te,cated h.nin.

i
2 . Said alkgauonc 'llnl:>unf to violations of A.tticlc; I, PIU1O~plu 1 and 5 of the New Jel:sey

a~st ConstitUtion as Pb.inwts were $0 discdmi.naeed

because dl.ey are women :>nd/or be<;lI.we

!

.. they

"'''''

A

&:i

c~.A.tt .... ..

.;c" r"'i,.J,..an"."a.n

d

/ OJ:

beea",.,.

they

..... e

women .

I
. As a con"c~c:.n.c••)£ ~ afo.te:m.c:ntioned. aCts, PlaiDtiffs have been .:Uunaged lUI previously set

i
I

forth.

\'IVimREFORE. 'fl:aintiffs J;cq= judgment agalns1: the De£cnch..oc for monetary da="g"", oth com.pensatory an·j p nitive, bom. past and ~)];ospective, both aev~l ..l1d joint plus cosu, ;mei

t,""est for violation of A cJ.e I, P-..gn.plu 1 SUlci 5 of the New Jersey Cc·nsti=r:ion.
ruaYDEMANP

Phtintiff:s J"":lu",,~ 01: a jury as to <Lll issues sct (0"", it:>. tho. coznpwn1: except thosc .tello.ting to

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 13 of 19 PageID: 13
'.

\

ctio~ c:ass

certi5elLcion.

I

\

pat . JUlUary 15. 200""

\

D~S1GNATI0N Of -rRlAl. COUNSEl..

aerbe.>::~ 1. 1:'-a,.... ~.~'l/..'!l 1:l:~..):.:y~e~ll-ted. u

tOw.

e cOU1'>'I l

fo.:

th.,

"bo"e

ca1?tioned

" , ."

..' ,"'•... ,..,,:'11' .. ".

ma u .

D ed; Jan~ 15,2004

~ J:IULt'~ers c;;ontrOVe~sy )

Oi'8.:rIFlCATlmi

1 pe>:eb1 ce>:tify that the: be51: of my kno"",ladge, the within

ill-

Me not:

.0+. ~bi=.o. Nbj- of =Y 0"",,
~ ubi~ti!'" p._..... ~ ~ • i. =Y .cOo.

pending in _ ..... <:.0= o. of .- p .......

p'oo<cdingd

,

_ = p.."d ..e oma po'••' ...."" ,. b. join.

llud: J~UUY 15,2004

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 14 of 19 PageID: 14
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Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 15 of 19 PageID: 15

T J. TAN', L.L.C.

YSATLAW

AD STREET, 16TH ~

NJ:W.JERSEY D"1l.,It?__
ONE NO: (973) 735-2681

I I

! YS FOR PLAINTn"P

lmo-IOr -or, MaUle Thomu.

se Petway, Madtisha BooJcer.

" aDd all ath<'ln aUnilu'1y

.

i

! :

~ Plaintifi;.

as~ Systema, r...:.. Barbara

1
I

olm Wbiuakel-. 101m Does, i

Z Cal'panllioB

..:

I-

SUPERIOll COUIlT OP NEW JERSEY Hudson CO\latry
LAW DIVISION: DOCXETNO.: l-1630-04
CIVIL ACTION

no: I
ATE 0:1' NEW JERSEY. TO

ABOVE NAMED DEtr&NDAl'lT(S):

; I

;

I

YOU

HE.Rl!BY SUMMONED 'in a Civil Action in tbtI ~er:lot Caun otNew I..racy, i_titurcd by the ~bov.

me named plAinr:iff(s). and. required co s brve I.IpOIl attomey(s) !or d2e pLa.l.mltl(s), .... t>oao RIO""" ...... office .~...

app above, aD aDaW« to tbtl am>~ complaint within 3S days aftGr tbe serviCe at a... ...........,.". aDd complaint

..xelusive of Ihe day of seziice. If yeN fail to answw, Jw:lpeIlt by de~:maybG J'I:Z>dorod as....... yo.. tor

Rosrx f detnandad iu the complain~ You shaU promptly mill your azzsww aDd. prooC of .orvl..o thenof in duplica'.

Clerk of Superior Court,

County Coun House. 50 wesr Markel St.. Newark Nl 07102 in agoordano.

rules of Civil practice IUId ~ccchuee..

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ClMlc of Superior Coun

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(Defendant 110 bo sen-ed: s for servi..:e:
Castle Snto.... til.... _Goodale Sf. bIUOH43Z1S

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 16 of 19 PageID: 16

JOHN J_ PEIRANO, ESQ_
CARPENTER, BENNETT & MORRISSEY Three Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, New Jersey 07102-4079 (973) 622-7711 Attorneys for Defendants White Castle Systems, Inc., Barbara Foster, and John Whittaker

ANNIE JUNIOR, MATTIE THOMAS, lMO-JOYE SCOTT, ROSE PETWAY, MARKISHA BOOKER, THEMSELVES AND ALL OTHERS SlMILARLY
Plaintiffs,
v.
WHITE CASTLE SYSTEMS, INC., BARBARA FOSTER, JOHN WHITTAKER, JOHN DOES, AND XYZ CORPORATION,
Defendant.

SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY LAW DIVISION: ESSEX COUNTY DOCKET NO: ESX-L-1630-04
Civil Action
NOTICE OF FILING OF NOTICE OF REMOVAL

To: Clerk, Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division. Essex County Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Newark, New Jersey 07102
Herbert J. Tan, Esq. Herbert J. Tan, L.L.C., Attorneys at law 744 Broad Street, 16th Floor Newark, New Jersey 07102 Attorney for Plaintiffs

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 17 of 19 PageID: 17
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that defendants White Castle Systems, Inc., Barbara Foster, and John Whittaker, have on this day filed a Notice of Removal, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, in the Office ofthe Clerk ofthe United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey.
CARPENTER, BENNETT & MORRISSEY Attorneys for Defendants White Castle Systems, Inc., Barbara Foster,
and John Whittaker Three Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, New Jersey 07102 (973) 622-7711
Dated: April 8, 2004
2

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 18 of 19 PageID: 18

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

·' . "" '.~ '': '
.. f; ~~;~ • •, '':i"
. ~

JOHN J. PEIRANO (JP 7644) CARPENTER, BENNETT & MORRISSEY Three Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, New Jersey 07102-4079 973-622-7711 Attorneys for Denmdants
White Castle Systems, mc., Barbara Foster,
and John Whittaker

ANNIE JUNIOR, MATTIE THOMAS, IMO-JOYE SCOTT, ROSE PETWAY, MARKISHA BOOKER, THEMSELVES AND ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,
Plaintiffs,
v.
WHITE CASTLE SYSTEMS, INC., BARBARA FOSTER, JOHN WHITTAKER, JOHN DOES, AND XYZ CORPORATION,
Defendants.

Civil Action No . (5 Cf-/fOJ-r)
CrJJI
CERTIFICATION OF FILING AND SERVICE

I hereby certify that 1 caused an original and two copies of defendants White Castle Systems, Inc., Barbara Foster, and John Whittaker's Notice of Removal, Civil Cover Sheet, and Corporate Disclosure Statement, together with the Notice of Filing of Notice of Removal, in paper form (with additional copies of each on diskette), to be ftIed this date with:

Case 2:04-cv-01658-FSH-PS Document 1 Filed 04/08/04 Page 19 of 19 PageID: 19
William T. Walsh, Clerk United States District Court District of New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal
Building and U.S. Courthouse 50 Walnut Street Newark, New Jersey 07102 by hand delivery and copies of each in paper form to be served upon: Herbert J. Tan, Esq. Herbert .J. Tan, L.L.C., Attorneys at law 744 Broad Street, 16th .f"1oor Newark, New Jersey 07102 Attorney for Plaintiffs by first-class mail, postage prepaid.
DATED: April 8, 2004
2

 
 Case: 2:04-cv-1658 As of: 07/01/2010 06:22 PM EDT 1 of 3
U.S. District Court District of New Jersey [LIVE] (Newark) CIVIL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 2:04−cv−01658−FSH−PS

CLOSED

JUNIOR et al v. WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC. et al Assigned to: Judge Faith S. Hochberg Referred to: Magistrate Judge Patty Shwartz Cause: 42:1981 Job Discrimination (Race)
Plaintiff

Date Filed: 04/08/2004 Date Terminated: 07/21/2004 Jury Demand: Plaintiff Nature of Suit: 442 Civil Rights: Jobs Jurisdiction: Federal Question

ANNIE JUNIOR

represented by HERBERT J. TAN 744 BROAD STREET 16TH FLOOR NEWARK, NJ 07102 (973) 735−2681 Fax: (973) 735−2682 Email: laborlitigator@yahoo.com LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Plaintiff MATTIE THOMAS

represented by HERBERT J. TAN (See above for address) LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Plaintiff IMO−JOYE SCOTT

represented by HERBERT J. TAN (See above for address) LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Plaintiff ROSE PETWAY

represented by HERBERT J. TAN (See above for address) LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Plaintiff
MARKISHA BOOKER THEMSELVES AND ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED

represented by HERBERT J. TAN (See above for address) LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

V. Defendant WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC.
Defendant

represented by JOHN JAMES PEIRANO , JR. MCELROY, DEUTSCH, MULVANEY &CARPENTER LLP 1300 MT. KEMBLE AVENUE MORRISTOWN, NJ 07962−2075 (973) 622−7711 Email: jpeirano@mdmc−law.com LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Case: 2:04-cv-1658 As of: 07/01/2010 06:22 PM EDT 2 of 3

BARBARA FOSTER

represented by JOHN JAMES PEIRANO , JR. (See above for address) LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Defendant JOHN WHITTAKER

represented by JOHN JAMES PEIRANO , JR. (See above for address) LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

Defendant
JOHN DOES (1−12)

Defendant
XYZ CORPORATION (1−12)

Date Filed 04/08/2004
04/14/2004 04/15/2004 04/21/2004 04/23/2004
04/28/2004
04/30/2004 06/01/2004 06/02/2004 06/21/2004

# Docket Text
1 NOTICE OF REMOVAL by MARKISHA BOOKER, ANNIE JUNIOR, ROSE PETWAY, IMO−JOYE SCOTT, MATTIE THOMAS from SUPERIOR COURT OF ESSEX COUNTY, case number L−1630−04 w/Copies of Cmp w/Jury demand, Summons. (Filing fee $ 150 receipt number 322587) (Attachments: # 1 CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)(dr, ) (Entered: 04/13/2004)
3 STANDING ORDER REQUIRING SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION REGARDING REMOVAL . Signed by Judge Faith S. Hochberg on 04/14/04. (nr, ) (Entered: 04/16/2004)
2 First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer (Local Civil Rule 6.1(b)) by BARBARA FOSTER, WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC., JOHN WHITTAKER. (PEIRANO, JOHN) (Entered: 04/15/2004)
4 SCHEDULING ORDER setting Scheduling Conference for 6/1/2004 01:00 PM in Newark − Courtroom 10 before Magistrate Judge Patty Shwartz. Signed by Judge Patty Shwartz on 4/21/04. (aa, ) (Entered: 04/22/2004)
5 Application and Clerk's Order to extend time to answer as to BARBARA FOSTER ; WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC. ; JOHN WHITTAKER Attorney JOHN JAMES PEIRANO for JOHN WHITTAKER; BARBARA FOSTER and WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC. added.. (nr, ) (Entered: 04/26/2004)
6 BRIEF in Response to Standing Order Requiring Submission of Information Regarding Removal filed by BARBARA FOSTER, WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC., JOHN WHITTAKER. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Service)(PEIRANO, JOHN) (Entered: 04/28/2004)
7 ANSWER to Complaint and Affirmative Defenses by BARBARA FOSTER, WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC., JOHN WHITTAKER.(PEIRANO, JOHN) (Entered: 04/30/2004)
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Patty Shwartz : Scheduling Conference held on 6/1/2004. (aa, ) (Entered: 06/02/2004)
8 ORDER directing the pltfs. to forward a proposed amended complt. and consent order to the defts. no later than June 11, 2004, etc. . Signed by Judge Patty Shwartz on 06/01/04. (nr, ) (Entered: 06/02/2004)
9 CONSENT ORDER GRANTING pltf's request for leave to file an amended complt. no later than 6/25/04 . Signed by Judge Katharine S. Hayden on 06/21/04. (nr, ) (Entered: 06/22/2004)

Case: 2:04-cv-1658 As of: 07/01/2010 06:22 PM EDT 3 of 3

06/28/2004
07/21/2004 07/21/2004

10 AMENDED COMPLAINT against ANNIE JUNIOR, WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM, INC., JOHN WHITTAKER, XYZ CORPORATION , filed by MARKISHA BOOKER, ANNIE JUNIOR, ROSE PETWAY, IMO−JOYE SCOTT, MATTIE THOMAS.(nr, ) (Entered: 07/06/2004)
11 ORDER that this case is REMANDED to the Superior Court of NJ.. Signed by Judge Faith S. Hochberg on 7/20/04. (DD, ) (Entered: 07/21/2004)
***Civil Case Terminated. (DD, ) (Entered: 07/21/2004)