Waiter Charges Waldorf Astoria With Hostile Work Environment

The New York Observer reported yesterday on a hostile work environment lawsuit filed recently in state court by Mohamed Kotbi, a banquet waiter at New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Kotbi, who was born to an elite family in Morocco, has worked at the Waldorf for over 25 years. He says his problems began shortly after 9-11. When the hotel hosted a large memorial service for employees and family members of Bear Stearns, Kotbi's supervisor removed his "Mohamed" name tag and replaced it with one reading "John," telling Kotbi that they did not want to scare guests. Shortly after this incident, other waiters began to harass Kotbi, calling him names such as "al Queda boy." Kotbi twice has filed complaints with the EEOC. Sometimes Kotbi has been able to use his real name, but recently he again was told to wear a tag with a different name during a fund-raiser at the hotel for Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces. According to MyFoxNY, the Waldorf has issued a statement denying the charges and saying that Kotbi has a long history of unfounded workplace complaints.