Bernal’s narrative is not solitary. He draws parallels with several other Washington state employment cases, where courts have awarded similar amounts for emotional distress, with those decisions being steadfastly upheld upon appeal.
Ex-Boeing Manager Wants $750K : Bernal’s Journey at Boeing
Bernal’s saga at Boeing began in 1989 as an industrial engineer, marked by a stellar trajectory of positive reviews, promotions, and bonuses. His career took a turn for the worse in 2014 with the arrival of Linda Beltz, a manager accused of fostering a toxic environment for senior employees.
The plot thickens in 2018, when Bernal, standing up against Beltz’s alleged discriminatory practices, refused a project that required close collaboration with her. This act of defiance led to an ultimatum: find a new managerial role or face demotion. Unable to secure a new position, Bernal found himself subordinated to Beltz.
Boeing’s Rebuttal and the Court’s Dilemma
As the legal battle neared its conclusion, Boeing presented a counter-narrative. During the closing arguments of the bench trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Tana Lin, Boeing attributed Bernal’s job changes to a reorganization within its IP licensing group. The company downplayed Bernal’s accusations as “petty complaints,” unworthy of being labeled retaliation.
