Gay Couple Alleges Homophobic Abuse and Retaliation in Maine Solar Company Lawsuit

A married gay couple has filed a lawsuit alleging they experienced severe homophobic abuse and subsequent retaliation while employed as solar panel installers for Centre Electric in Maine. Wilmer Muchacho, 46, and Jose Cordero, 30, claim the harassment began a few months after they started working for the company in May 2023.

The lawsuit, filed in Maine District Court, states that coworkers learned of the couple's relationship and subjected them to homophobic slurs, including derogatory terms and references to sexually transmitted infections. The couple reported the harassment, and the company transferred them to a different worksite in Mattawamkeag. However, they allege the abuse continued and intensified at the new location, with some colleagues reportedly throwing food at them.

Muchacho and Cordero claim that Centre Electric assigned them to work with employees who had previously harassed them. When they raised concerns about the hostile work environment, the company allegedly denied them meal and bathroom breaks, prevented them from warming up in their car during breaks, and withheld opportunities for weekend work. The couple asserts that the company conducted no investigation and issued no reprimands to the employees engaging in the harassment.

In February 2024, less than a year after being hired, Muchacho and Cordero were terminated. The company cited tardiness, early departures, and disrespectful behavior as reasons for their dismissal. The couple contends they received no prior warnings or disciplinary actions regarding these alleged issues. They are suing Centre Electric for discrimination and retaliation.

Prior to filing the lawsuit, Muchacho and Cordero filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on April 5, 2024, alleging discrimination based on sex and retaliation. The EEOC found reasonable cause to believe the company retaliated against the couple because of their sex. They subsequently received right-to-sue letters from the EEOC by July.

The couple is seeking a jury trial and requesting back pay for lost wages and benefits. They also want the court to order Centre Electric to implement civil rights training for its employees. Muchacho stated that they trust a jury to hear their story and help them find justice, emphasizing that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity at work, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Centre Electric, which is based in Minnesota, operates in Maine. The lawsuit notes that Muchacho and Cordero, who reportedly resided in New York City at the time of filing, earned approximately $23 per hour at the company. The alleged harassment reportedly began around September 2023 at the Holden, Maine worksite.