Filipino Nurses Cited in Two Workplace Discrimination Lawsuits in California

Two recent discrimination lawsuits filed by nurses in California are centered around Filipino nurses.

• Jessica Castillo's lawsuit, alleged she faced discrimination and retaliation after supervisors showed preferential treatment to Filipino and Asian-American nurses in promotions and pay—claims that have led to a tentative, confidential settlement still awaiting final approval.
• Camyle Meier lawsuit, a biracial nurse, filed a discrimination lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai, alleging she was racially targeted and bullied by a close-knit group of Filipino coworkers, including claims of sabotage and physical harassment, before being fired during her probation—allegations the hospital denies.

Castillo’s Case: Promotions, Pay, and Alleged Favoritism

Jessica Castillo alleged discrimination after supervisors favored Filipino and Asian-American nurses for promotions and wage increases, leaving Latino, Black, and White nurses feeling excluded. According to court documents, this favoritism began around late 2018 when Filipino nurses received promotions over non-Filipino nurses. While county attorneys argued Castillo had received two promotions, they attributed her missed opportunities to administrative errors or more qualified candidates. Though the settlement details remain confidential, this case isn’t isolated.

• Castillo alleged discrimination and retaliation, claiming she was denied promotions and wage increases after complaining about preferential treatment.
• The lawsuit claimed a supervisor gave favorable work assignments to Filipino and other Asian-American nurses, regardless of seniority.
• This alleged preferential treatment resulted in discrimination against Latino, Black, and white nurses.
• The settlement is pending final approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
• Terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.
• A court hearing is scheduled for November 7 to provide an update on the settlement process.

It's important to note that while this case has reached a tentative settlement, the final details and any resulting changes in workplace policies are yet to be determined or disclosed.

Camyle Meier Case: Allegedly Bullied by Filipino Coworkers

 Another nurse, Camyle Meier, sued Cedars-Sinai, claiming Filipino coworkers bullied her while management ignored the issue. Meier, a new grad, says that coworker poured coffee on her, amongst other allegations. However, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center denies the discrimination and retaliation lawsuit. 

These cases underscore how cultural dynamics can create tension in workplaces where teamwork is essential—because if nurses aren’t getting along, that unit potluck is going to be awkward.

Why Are Filipino Nurses at the Center of It?

Filipino nurses make up about 4% of the U.S. nursing workforce but represent 20% of registered nurses in California. This significant presence stems from mid-20th-century U.S. recruitment efforts during nursing shortages. Many Filipino nurses were trained in American-style programs in the Philippines, creating a unique cultural bridge.

Dr. Catherine Ceniza Choy, an ethnic studies professor, notes in her research that this concentration fosters support networks among Filipino nurses but can also lead to feelings of exclusion among non-Filipino staff.

As these two cases move through the legal system, they serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in creating truly inclusive healthcare workplaces where nurses of all backgrounds can thrive professionally. 

🤔 Nurses: share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.