The family of a man with Down syndrome is seeking answers after he was abruptly fired from the job he had been doing for over 20 years.
According to reports, Dennis Peek, from Gaston County, North Carolina, had been working at a local Wendy’s for over twenty years. His family claims he was planning to retire soon, but he never got the chance because he was fired.
The reason? Well, his family alleges that Wendy’s dismissed him because “he was not able to perform his job duties like a normal human being.”
Not only that, but Dennis’ family says he was fired without notice.
His sister, Cona Turner, said, “I’m here because I have to represent him and defend the way he was treated.”
Turner added that her brother had worked at the same Wendy’s for almost 22 years.
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“I asked why and was told that he couldn’t perform his duties,” she said.
Heartbreakingly, she and the rest of the family have no idea how to explain to Dennis that he can no longer work at Wendy’s.
“He doesn’t understand, and we can’t tell him he got fired. We haven’t told him, and we won’t,” Turner said.
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But there may still be hope.
Reportedly, a post by Turner on social media expressing her frustrations gained a lot of attention. She then received a call from Carolina Restaurant Group – owner of the Wendy’s in question – and was informed that Dennis would be rehired next week.
In a statement, Carolina Restaurant Group said: “We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and our customers. This was an unfortunate mistake and breach of protocol; we are in contact with the employee’s family and look forward to welcoming him back to the restaurant.”
Meanwhile, Dennis is still unaware of the situation unfolding around him. He has worked hard for over 20 years and is now looking forward to retiring.
WSOC says Dennis’ family is debating whether to have him return to his old job or organize an early retirement party for him.
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