Fields v. Teamsters Local Union No. 988
Maria E. Fields sued Teamsters Local Union 988 and Terry Lovan for gender discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment under the TCHRA, and for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Fields alleged Lovan, her trustee/supervisor, sexually harassed her over three months, using his authority to coerce her, and she was subsequently fired after complaining. The trial court initially granted summary judgment for the defendants on all claims. On appeal, the court affirmed the summary judgment for the Union on the sexual harassment claim, noting the Union did not meet the TCHRA's employer definition. However, the court reversed the summary judgment for the Union on the retaliation claim and for both the Union and Lovan on the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim, finding sufficient evidence for these claims to proceed to trial.