Rachel Yonkunas, a decorated investigative reporter, has taken legal action against her former employer.
According to the New York Post, Rachel Yonkunas, an Emmy-winning TV journalist, claims her dismissal from News12 Long Island was impacted by gender discrimination.
Yonkunas, who joined News12 Long Island in 2022, alleges in the lawsuit that she faced unequal treatment at Altice USA, the network's parent company. According to Yonkunas, the disparities started to surface when she noticed a pattern of male colleagues receiving more robust support in their journalistic endeavors.
In her detailed lawsuit, Yonkunas accuses the company of redirecting high-profile coverage and essential resources to her male counterparts. High-profile cases, such as the Gilgo Beach killings, were reportedly assigned to other reporters, despite Yonkunas having contributed significantly to investigative reporting at the station.
Erik Bashian, one of Yonkunas' attorneys, underscores the gravity of these claims. He states that the case highlights significant gender-driven biases that marred Yonkunas' time at the station, illustrating a broader problem beyond individual grievances.
The series of events leading to Yonkunas' termination began when News12 unexpectedly placed her on a 30-day performance improvement plan. Despite meeting the plan's objectives, the station then proposed a $10,000 salary reduction. Yonkunas detailed her shock at the unjust treatment:
Rachel Yonkunas voiced her disbelief, stating she could not comprehend why the station would disadvantage her given her accolades. "I was shocked, devastated, and confused," Yonkunas mentioned about the perplexing pay cut proposition.
Refusing to accept the pay cut, Yonkunas received an ultimatum from News12. They ordered her not to return to work unless she agreed to the new terms, which she found unreasonable and coercive. She soon refused to comply, and News12 fired her without further negotiation.
Matthew Blit, another attorney representing Yonkunas, described the network's actions as a calculated move to sideline and ultimately dismiss her. This situation adds a layer of complexity, suggesting possible retaliatory motives behind the decision to terminate her employment.
In response to the lawsuit, News12 Long Island and Altice USA vehemently deny all allegations. They argue that their employment practices are fair and focused on merit, skills, and contributions and express their intent to defend against the claims vigorously.
Rachel Yonkunas expressed her deep regret over the turn of events, referring to her position at News12 as her "dream job." The disillusionment with her former employer's actions prompted her reluctant decision to pursue legal action.
"This was my dream job," Yonkunas remarked sorrowfully. Beyond her disappointments, she highlighted the principle behind her lawsuit. "I investigate stories. The last thing I want to be in the story," Yonkunas affirmed, emphasizing the necessity of her legal battle for fairness and equity in the workplace.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Yonkunas seeks unspecified damages, aiming to address and rectify the injustices she alleges to have endured. The outcome of this case could shed further light on the practices of media organizations concerning gender equality and may influence broader industry standards.
