A federal lawsuit has been filed against a major airline. An employee for United Airlines is taking them to court, alleging discrimination against the company he worked with for the past two-plus decades.

Alleged life-threatening workplace discrimination has led to legal action. According to a complaint filed in the District Court of Guam, Joseph Laguana is suing United for failing to accommodate his respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Laguana had been with the company for nearly three decades, starting from United’s predecessor, Continental Airlines.

He alleges both companies knew of his asthma before hiring him and despite his disability, he was perfectly qualified to do his job. This all changed when the pandemic hit.

He requested for accommodations from his supervisor, manager, and even the general manager out of fear for his safety. But court documents state the only response he got was harassment from his colleagues instead.

About two months ago, a concerned coworker brought to his attention a workplace WhatsApp chat with coworkers and supervisors sharing disparaging comments about him. Documents state the hurtful comments, including homophobic and other inappropriate insults about his disability.

But despite promises from management to conduct a thorough investigation, Laguana alleges nothing was done. The United employees who allegedly led the workplace harassment are still there.

The only one terminated? Laguana.

The complaint stated that United’s inaction on both issues forced Laguana to expend all of his accrued leave. In stark contrast, United Airlines provided special accommodations for other employees refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccination, such as allowing them to work off-site, documents state. It's an accommodation Laguana did not get despite repeated requests.

The lawsuit has since been served to United. Laguana is seeking compensatory, general, and special damages in an amount set at trial, plus legal fees, and other relief the court rules is necessary against the company.

A hearing is set in the District Court for Dec. 28.