Allegations of race discrimination and wrongful termination have been raised in a new federal lawsuit against two major retail corporations, drawing attention to workplace practices at a membership-only warehouse club store. The complaint was filed by Shamica Johnson on March 12, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Sam’s East, Inc., doing business as Sam’s Club, and Walmart, Inc.
According to the filing prepared by attorney Perry S. Friedman, Johnson claims she was subjected to a hostile work environment and ultimately terminated from her position at the Fishkill, New York location of Sam’s Club because of her race. The suit alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the New York State Human Rights Law.
The complaint states that Johnson is an African-American woman who worked in the Home Meals Solutions Section of the Prepared Foods Department at Sam’s Club Store No. 6356 from 2017 until August 23, 2023. Johnson asserts that during her employment most employees at her store were Hispanic and that only three other female African-American employees worked there during her tenure.
Johnson alleges she experienced a pattern of discriminatory treatment based on her race throughout her employment. One cited incident occurred in August 2022 when Johnson requested to use protected paid time off to care for her mother with dementia. While her leave was approved, Johnson’s request to work part-time was denied. She was told by management that her only option was to resign or transfer departments—a choice not imposed on similarly situated non-African-American employees, according to the complaint.
In another incident described in spring 2023, general manager Pedro Almonte allegedly accused Johnson of creating a “hostile work environment” without providing details or identifying accusers. After Johnson reached out to regional office staff for support, Almonte reportedly warned her to “watch yourself.” In May 2023, after taking an urgent call from her mother’s doctor while leaving the store premises, Johnson says she was reprimanded by Almonte despite explaining the situation—treatment she claims non-African-American employees did not receive under similar circumstances.
The events leading up to Johnson’s termination are detailed in the complaint as occurring on August 13, 2023. According to Johnson’s account, front-end manager Sadie Gonzalez confronted her about job performance issues unrelated to Gonzalez’s supervisory role or department responsibilities. Gonzalez allegedly compared Johnson unfavorably with a Hispanic coworker and continued berating her in both English and Spanish—even after being asked by Johnson to speak only English so she could understand what was being said. When Johnson corrected Gonzalez about mispronouncing her name and requested proper addressal, Gonzalez responded negatively regarding Johnson’s attitude and terminated her employment on the spot. The filing notes that upon information and belief, Johnson was replaced by a Hispanic employee.
The lawsuit contends that these actions were not based on legitimate business reasons but instead stemmed from racial bias: “The Defendants discriminated against JOHNSON in violation of Title VII…because they subjected her to disparate treatment and adverse employment actions on the basis of her race and color.” The complaint further alleges that defendants acted with “malice and reckless indifference” toward Johnson’s civil rights.
Johnson is seeking declaratory judgment confirming discrimination occurred; compensatory damages for lost income; punitive damages; back pay; attorneys’ fees; prejudgment interest; costs associated with bringing the action; as well as any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court under both federal law (Title VII) and state law (New York State Human Rights Law).
The case is identified as Docket No. 26 cv 2048 in the Southern District of New York. Attorney Perry S. Friedman represents Shamica Johnson in this matter.
Source: 726cv02048_Shamica_Johnson_v_Sams_East_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
