Intel workers secretly taped a “Kick Me” sign to the back of a co-worker as a prank, then kicked the confused man a number of times as employees at the Rio Rancho Intel plant laughed hysterically at the episode, according to a federal lawsuit.
The employee, Harvey Palacio, said in the complaint, recently filed in Albuquerque, that once he suspected something was taped on his back during the August prank, he went to senior staffer Randy Lehman to ask if something was there.
“Lehman said turn around and as Palacio did he saw and heard (another employee) yell out ‘Don't read it, just do it',” the lawsuit said.
Lehman then kicked Palacio three times in his buttocks, according court documents.
In addition, Palacio said co-workers would hide his work uniform and filled his work bag with trash. He claims the abuse he faced over a few months was racially motivated because he's Filipino.
The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount for damages and attorney's fees.
