A former employee has taken legal action against a major automotive company, alleging a series of discriminatory and retaliatory practices that culminated in her unjust termination. On January 8, 2026, Hiawaka Banks filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against FCA US LLC. The lawsuit accuses the company of racial and sexual discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under both federal and state civil rights laws.
Hiawaka Banks, an African American woman from Rockford, Illinois, began working with FCA US LLC as an Operation Specialist/Assembly Worker in March 2012. Her employment was terminated on November 25, 2024. During her tenure, Banks claims she faced persistent discrimination and harassment based on her race and gender. She reported several incidents to the company’s ethics hotline and higher management but alleges that no effective action was taken to address her concerns. According to the complaint, after reporting sexual harassment by a supervisor named Tim Walton in April 2022, Banks experienced retaliation including unwarranted disciplinary actions orchestrated by Walton himself.
The allegations further detail instances where Banks was treated differently than her white colleagues. In one instance from July 2023, she received a suspension for wearing a Juneteenth shirt while a white co-worker only received a warning for similar conduct. Additionally, Banks describes being subjected to false accusations about offering drugs for sex and facing undue scrutiny over minor workplace incidents compared to her peers.
Banks is seeking relief from the court for lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination as well as compensation for emotional distress caused by the alleged hostile work environment. She also demands that FCA US LLC be held accountable for violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA).
Representing Hiawaka Banks is attorney Mallorie M. Blaylock-Danna from Stempien Law PLLC based in Livonia, Michigan. The case is presided over by Judge FKB-Cl under Case ID: 4:26-cv-10063-FKB-Cl.
Source: 426cv10063_Hiawaka_Banks_v_FCA_US_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf