Abels v. Renfro Corp.

MEYER, Justice.

In this case we decide, inter alia, whether, in an employee discharge case instituted pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 97-6.1, evidence of the employer’s treatment of similarly situated employees is admissible to show the employer’s motive for discharging the employee. We hold that such evidence is admissible.

Plaintiff began her employment as a knitter with defendant in 1949 and continued working until she became pregnant in 1962. Plaintiff resumed her employment with defendant in 1972. At the time of her discharge on 19 August 1987, plaintiff’s duties included overseeing approximately…