Gay couple suffered vile homophobic abuse while working for Maine solar panel firm, lawsuit alleges

Married couple Wilmer Muchacho and Jose Cordero allege they faced repeated homophobic abuse while working as solar panel installers for Centre Electric in Maine. Their lawsuit says the company failed to stop the harassment after they reported it, then retaliated against them and dismissed them, prompting claims of discrimination and retaliation.

The couple say the abuse began in September 2023 at the Holden site and continued after they were transferred to Mattawamkeag, where coworkers allegedly also threw food at them. They say they were denied breaks and other work arrangements, then fired in February 2024 without prior warnings; they earned about $23 an hour. They are seeking back pay and benefits, civil rights training for staff and a jury trial.