Latest news with #Eaton
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Manager fired after wearing religious T-shirts to oppose Pride Month gets settlement
Manager fired after wearing religious T-shirts to oppose Pride Month gets settlement Show Caption Hide Caption San Francisco Pride faces shortfall as corporate sponsors pull out Several major companies have opted out of donating to San Francisco Pride this year, such as Anheuser-Busch, Diageo, Nissan, and Comcast. An Iowa man reached a settlement with Eaton Corp., the company that fired him after he wore Christian-themed T-shirts during Pride Month. The lawsuit claimed the shirts were in response to the company's promotion of Pride Month and expressed the employee's religious beliefs. The company argued the firing was based on legitimate business reasons and not discriminatory. An Iowa man has reached an out-of-court settlement with the former employer he accused of firing him for wearing Christian-themed T-shirts to work in response to the company's endorsement of Pride Month. In June 2024, Cosby 'Corey' Cunningham sued Eaton Corp., a global power management company with an office in Davenport, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, alleging violations of his civil rights. Cunningham, a self-described born-again, churchgoing Christian, was hired by Eaton in 2019 as a quality manager with responsibilities for product development related to military and aerospace activity. According to his lawsuit, Eaton initiated a Pride Month ceremony on June 2, 2023, by raising a pride flag in front of its main building and encouraging employees to wear specific colors in support of the effort. Management also sent emails to the staff offering pride-themed T-shirts for workers to purchase, the lawsuit claims. That day, Cunningham alleges, he began wearing T-shirts at work that displayed or referred to Bible verses. According to the lawsuit, he wanted to 'express his sincerely held religious belief in Jesus Christ and the Bible.' Over the next eight weeks, Eaton managers allegedly held a series of meetings with Cunningham to express their concern that his actions were perceived by others as inflammatory and that they might violate company policy. According to the lawsuit, management refused Cunningham's requests for a religious accommodation to wear the T-shirts, threatened him with dismissal, and sent him home on at least two occasions for refusing to stop wearing the shirts. On Aug. 23, 2023, the company fired Cunningham, the lawsuit alleges. Conservative institute provides legal representation In his lawsuit, Cunningham stated that he believes 'homosexual conduct is sinful' and that he had been called upon to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Doing so, he claimed, required him to share with others even those biblical teachings that are offensive to those who don't share such beliefs. In its response to those claims, lawyers for the Eaton Corp. argued Cunningham was not entitled to any damages because any actions taken by the company against him 'were legitimate and non-discriminatory and non-retaliatory,' and were based on legitimate business reasons. Representing Cunningham in his lawsuit was Robert Anderson of Atlantic, Iowa, an attorney for the Pacific Justice Institute, a conservative organization that said it works to promote religious freedom and parental rights. The Southern Poverty Law Center has characterized the Pacific Justice Institute as 'an anti-LGBT hate group' whose founder has 'compared legalized gay marriage to Hitler and the Nazis' ascent in Germany.' Anderson said on May 22 that he's not at liberty to comment on the specifics of the settlement that was reached in April. Attorneys for Eaton Corp. did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Find this story at The Des Moines Register, part of the USA TODAY Network and at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Could a new appeal prompt Maine's supreme court to reconsider its decision on decades-old child sex abuse cases?
May 29—Sexual abuse survivors in Maine are hoping a new appeal — and a new justice — will tip the scales in their favor, as the state's highest court considers yet again whether people should be able to sue for decades-old claims. Earlier this year, 70-year-old George Eaton of Washington County won a lawsuit against Peter Boyce, 81, who Eaton said sexually abused him in the early 1970s. Eaton won by default because Boyce didn't respond to the complaint, according to court records. Boyce was ordered to pay Eaton $1.1 million on Feb. 26 — a month after the Maine Supreme Judicial Court overturned the 2021 law that made Eaton's lawsuit possible by "reviving" claims previously barred. Maine eliminated its statute of limitations for new claims in 2000, but until the 2021 law change people still couldn't sue for abuse that happened before 1987, Boyce, who now has an attorney, appealed that decision. Now, the same court that overturned the law will be asked to consider the issue again — but with one new justice confirmed in March and two justices who signed a dissenting opinion, some advocates hope the outcome will be different. Eaton's lawyer, Michael Bigos, declined to comment on the case. Boyce's attorney, Jed Davis, did not respond to requests Thursday to discuss the appeal and allegations against his client. Bigos represents more than a dozen people who sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland after the 2021 law passed, and whose cases were at the center of the court's decision. He and Timothy Kenlan said in February that their firm was representing at least 100 people whose claims were made possible by the overturned law, although not everyone had filed a complaint in court. The lawyers asked the high court a couple of weeks after the ruling to reconsider. Bigos recently told lawmakers that request was summarily denied. He told the Legislature's Judiciary Committee that he hopes this appeal will end differently. He cited the court's new composition and the arguments made by the dissenting justices, who "raised issues that we believe are unsolved." He said the court's majority opinion overlooked Mainers' rights to substantive due process under the state constitution, instead favoring principles dating to the 1600s "as a rationale for the majority to declare this unconstitutional." He was testifying on LD 1978, which would allow people to sue governmental entities whose employees sexually abused them as children. (Such employers, including public schools and law enforcement agencies, are immune from most lawsuits. There is no exception for child sexual abuse.) Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, noticed that the bill would eliminate a statute of limitation for those claims even after the supreme court's ruling in January. "How is this language different from that language, to make sure that the Law Court doesn't strike it down again?" Sato asked. Bigos said he believes the Legislature still has the right to pass laws that serve their constituents. "It is this practitioner's belief, and many others,' that the Maine judiciary exceeded its authority by impinging on the legislative authority, by declaring that (2021 law) unconstitutional," Bigos said. DEFAULT JUDGMENT Bigos and Davis have until later this summer to file briefs with the court outlining their arguments. In his civil complaint, Eaton said Boyce abused him around July 1970, when Eaton was 15 years old. He said Boyce had hired him to do odd jobs around his workplace at Johnson Bay Marine, according to the complaint. Over the following year, Eaton said he was abused several times in Boyce's home, workplace and on a trip to New York, often after being given alcohol. Eaton said he cut contact with Boyce in 1971 and told his parents what had happened. Now, more than 50 years later, Eaton said he still struggles with the trauma, the shame and betrayal. In awarding damages to Eaton, Superior Court Justice Harold L. Stewart quoted a psychological expert who testified on Eaton's behalf during a hearing Feb. 5, who said Eaton has difficulty trusting others and still experiences a constant "fear of the world." The expert said it's likely Eaton's medical costs for therapy and other treatment will exceed $100,000 in the next 15 years. Stewart wrote on Feb. 26 that he was aware of the high court's decision, but that it's the defendant's responsibility to raise the issue of a statute of limitations. This defendant never responded to the complaint against him. "The incident in this case occurred in 1970," Stewart wrote. "Plaintiff has lived with the effects and trauma of the sexual abuse committed by Defendant for 55 years." 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Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
WA sporting legend passes away after battle with cancer
South West sporting luminary Malcolm 'Chick' Elson died last week after a long battle with cancer. Elson featured in more than 250 league games for the Boyanup-Capel-Dardanup — now Eaton — Football Club between 1969 and 1985. While his football career saw him suffer injuries including a punctured lung and numerous broken bones, Elson told the Times in 2020 his battle with cancer had been far tougher. 'The cancer hasn't taken over any one time, it keeps moving around, but the oncologists say if you can survive 10 years with cancer, you're a miracle,' he said. 'It's a bit like cards, you either play with the hand you're dealt or chuck him in and give up, and I'd rather keep playing the game.' In his later years, Elson continued his association with sport through masters competitions, playing football with the Bunbury Sharks and Mandurah Makos and representing the Bunbury Bears at basketball's Country Championships. Elson took to the court for the final time at the 2024 edition of the tournament and was on the sidelines in March to cheer on his team for their last go-around. Malcolm 'Chick' Elson. Credit: Nicolette Barbas / Bunbury Herald Earlier this year, Elson told the Times he was confident continuing to play sport had 'helped a hell of a lot' in his fight. The Bunbury Basketball Association said they were 'deeply saddened' by Elson's passing. 'Chick's dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport and the people around him have left an incredible legacy that will not be forgotten, fostering a love for the game that will continue to inspire generations,' they said. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.' Eaton Football Club called Elson 'one of the greats who loved our club with a passion'. 'You always looked forward to our jumper presentation nights where you would proudly present your beloved No.7,' they said. 'Chick, we will all miss you greatly.' Elson is survived by wife Michelle, daughters Jaye, Carly and Kyra and seven grandchildren.
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Eplan L!VE: Global Online Event – Insights from the Field at Eaton
On May 14, 2025, Eplan hosted its global online event, Eplan L!VE, broadcasting directly from Eaton's advanced production facility in Hengelo, Netherlands. This event offered attendees worldwide a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how Eaton optimized its engineering and manufacturing processes for maximum efficiency using Eplan solutions . First-Hand Experience from the Field Participants learned how Eaton's Hengelo site, a key player in the company's global network, transformed its operations by adopting a data-driven approach and fully integrating Eplan software into its engineering methodology. This shift enabled Eaton to standardize its processes, automate document updates, and achieve a high level of consistency and efficiency across all stages—from design to manufacturing . Key Highlights from the Event Eaton showcased how it automated the generation of schematics, bills of materials, terminal diagrams, and cabling lists using Eplan Engineering Configuration (EEC), drastically reducing manual effort and errors. The facility leveraged Eplan Pro Panel for 3D digital design of control cabinet layouts, with data directly supporting automatic cable routing and manufacturing automation. Rittal Automation Systems' Wire Terminal WT, capable of producing up to 1,000 wires per day, and machines for processing copper rails further streamlined production . Standardization and Automation Eaton's journey began in 2018, when management set ambitious goals to improve electrical design and manufacturing. A dedicated team worked closely with Eplan consultants to standardize device data, implement reusable templates and macros, and ensure global engineering standards. The result was a highly efficient, automated, and scalable production system that benefits both large corporations and SMEs . Sneak Preview of Eplan Platform 2026 The event concluded with a preview of the upcoming Eplan Platform 2026, including enhanced 3D navigation in Eplan Pro Panel, direct access to device data via the Data Portal, and new single-line technology in Eplan Preplanning. Eplan's CEO, Sebastian Seitz, also shared the company's future strategy and highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in engineering's next wave . Background Eaton, a global leader in intelligent power management, has been a technology partner in the Eplan Partner Network since 2023. The Hengelo facility specializes in power distribution systems and switchgear, using Eplan and Rittal solutions to drive efficiency and innovation in both in-house and customer-facing projects . Eplan L!VE 2025 provided a comprehensive, real-world look at how digital transformation and smart automation are shaping the future of engineering and manufacturing, offering valuable insights for companies of all sizes
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
ISN ® Expands Partnership with Eaton for Global Safety Standardization
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ISN, the global leader in contractor and supplier information management services, released that Eaton, a leading intelligent power management company, has expanded its use of ISNetworld to help manage global contractor safety and compliance initiatives in new regions. 'ISN has proven to be a valuable partner as we look to create a consistent approach to contractor safety management across our global services organization,' said Shelley Baber, EHS Director, Electrical Engineering Services & Systems Division at Eaton. 'The platform allows us to enhance safety and simplify our processes, helping ensure contractors meet the highest standards no matter where they operate. This partnership enables us to make better data-driven business decisions to collaborate more efficiently with our contractors.' Eaton recently expanded its use of ISNetworld to support its services business in Canada, Germany, Netherlands, South Africa, and the Middle East as part of its initiative to standardize contractor management practices globally. 'Eaton's dedication to advancing contractor safety and management on a global scale is truly impressive and ISN is proud to be its chosen partner in this journey,' said Brittany Surine, Executive Vice President at ISN. 'We are committed to providing tailored support and innovative tools to help Eaton ensure its contractors worldwide are meeting the company's standards.' For more information on ISN's industry-leading software and services, visit About ISN ISN is the global leader in contractor and supplier information management, with more than 20 years of experience connecting 850 Hiring Clients in capital-intensive industries with 85,000 active contractors and suppliers to promote safety, health, and sustainability in the workplace. ISN's brands include ISNetworld ®, a global online contractor and supplier management platform, Transparency-One ®, a responsible sourcing platform built to bring transparency to supply chain management, and Empower ®, a worker-level app built to keep workers moving forward. ISN has 14 offices around the globe which provide award-winning support and training for its customers in more than 85 countries. ISN takes pride in leading worldwide efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of contractor and supplier management systems and in serving as a world-class forum for sharing industry best practices, benchmarking performance, providing data insights among its members, and helping decision makers, including board members, ensure contractor and supplier risk is assessed and monitored. For more information, visit
