Worker hits city with suit

Greg Tuttle

Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000 | 10:39 a.m.

A woman employed at the Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety is seeking $1 million from the city in a federal lawsuit that claims she was passed over repeatedly for promotions while less qualified men were advanced.

R. Becca Britt filed an amended complaint Friday in U.S. District Court alleging 10 instances since 1995 in which she received equal or higher scores on tests than her counterparts but has yet to be promoted. The complaint also alleges her bosses retaliated against her when she complained.

"Every time (Britt) applied for a promotion, she was denied," according to the lawsuit. "Conversely, white males with lower scores have all been promoted over her."

The lawsuit seeks damages from the city of Las Vegas, the city Department of Building and Safety and department Director Paul Watkins and Assistant Director Ron LaBar.

Las Vegas Senior Litigation Attorney William Henry said this morning he had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment on the allegations.

Britt was hired as a building department permit technician in 1995, according the lawsuit.

While working in the department, she took tests for promotions to positions such as building inspector and plans examiner, according to the lawsuit, and in one case scored a 100. But despite the scores she was not promoted because of her gender, the lawsuit claims.