Dennis Skinner, and Cross-Appellant v. Total Petroleum, Inc., a Michigan Corporation, and Cross-Appellee

This case involves the termination of the plaintiff, Dennis Skinner, a white male, from employment with the defendant, Total Petroleum, Inc., allegedly in retaliation for Mr. Skinner’s assistance with an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) claim brought by Mr. Skinner’s black coworker, Fritz Damberville.

In February, 1980, Mr. Skinner was hired as a cashier for the Vickers Petroleum Company, which was purchased by the defendant, Total Petroleum, Inc., in January, 1981. Mr. Skinner was promoted rapidly and, within three months, he was managing the company’s highest volume gasoline…