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November 18, 2014

Moody's Diner worker gets rights panel's nod

The Maine Human Rights Commission has ruled in favor of a longtime employee at Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro who alleged that she was discriminated against on religious grounds and faced retaliation for reporting the treatment.

The Bangor Daily News reported that the commission on Monday found reasonable grounds to believe that Alinna Diaz, a waitress who has worked at Moody’s Diner since 2002, faced discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment from her employer. The hearing was reportedly attended by several workers and managers who were apparently there in support of Moody’s Diner and co-owner Dan Beck, who was the alleged source of the discrimination.

The ruling means Diaz and Moody’s Diner will begin conciliation hearings in an attempt to reach a settlement. If both parties can’t find common ground, Diaz can file a lawsuit against Moody’s Diner over the discrimination claims.

According to an Oct. 17 report by Human Rights Commission investigator Michele Dion, Diaz began facing discrimination from Beck after she started a romantic relationship with his son, who was working there at the time. The report said there were several instances where Diaz faced belittling comments from Beck and his wife, who at least once said their son was “not following Jesus” by dating Diaz. Diaz has since ended her relationship with Beck’s son.

Robert Brooks, an attorney representing Moody’s Diner, told the Human Rights Commission that disciplinary actions were taken against Diaz not because of religious reasons, but because of her relationship with Beck’s son.

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