CAMDEN, NJ – Friday — A federal judge has ruled that parts of a racial discrimination and retaliation lawsuit brought by a former employee against Camden Iron & Metal, Inc. and related companies will move forward, denying summary judgment on key claims.
U.S. District Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb issued the ruling in Cuevas v. Camden Iron & Metal, finding that Wilfredo Cuevas, a 60-year-old Latino man, presented sufficient evidence to support his claims of workplace discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment during his short employment at the company’s Camden facility.
Cuevas, who worked as a general laborer at EMR’s Innovative Recovery Products site from July to October 2022, alleged he was subjected to repeated racial remarks and unfair treatment because of his ethnicity and age. He further claimed that when he reported the conduct, he faced retaliation — culminating in his termination just three months after being hired.
While the Court did not detail which claims were dismissed in its opinion, it noted that the summary judgment motion from the defendants — Camden Iron & Metal, EMR Advanced Recycling, My Auto Store, and EMR (USA Holdings) — was granted in part and denied in part. This means some of Cuevas’ claims will proceed to trial.
According to filings, Cuevas is bilingual but cannot read or write in either English or Spanish. His legal team contends that language and literacy barriers further contributed to his vulnerability in the workplace.
The Court evaluated the case without oral argument under federal procedural rules. Judge Bumb’s decision allows a jury to decide whether Cuevas was unlawfully targeted because of his race or retaliated against for complaining.
No trial date has been set.
