Robles v. Thomas Hribar Truck & Equipment, Inc. (Employment Discrimination)

In Robles v. Thomas Hribar Truck & Equipment, Inc. (2019AP1412), the Court reversed the circuit court’s reversal of an LIRC decision finding that Robles was fired for unprofessional conduct, and not because of discrimination.

Facts

The facts in the case are disputed. Thomas Hribar owned a salvaging company, and his brother Arthur works for him. Arthur is the direct supervisor of Robles. There was a verbal altercation between Thomas and Robles, with Thomas alleging unprofessional conduct and Robles alleging racial animus. Robles filed a WFEA complaint, and an ALJ determined that he had been fired because of his race and national origin. Hribar petitioned for LIRC review, who reversed the decision of the ALJ. Robles petitioned to the circuit court who reversed the decision of the LIRC. Hribar appealed.

Decision

The Court looked primarily to see if there was enough evidence in the record to justify the LIRC decision, and that if there was, that decision should stand. The court found that there was substantial evidence justifying their decision, so they reversed the decision of the circuit court.