Racist, sexist slurs costs worker his job

A Cook County judge has overruled a review panel and upheld the firing of a supervisor in Chicago's transportation department who used racist and sexist slurs against co-workers.

Joseph Annunzio, a nephew of the late U.S. Rep. Frank Annunzio, was fired last year for making "racist, derogatory and disparaging remarks." However, the Human Resources Board overruled the city inspector general who called for his firing.

The board said Annunzio shouldn't be fired because the most "egregious" allegations weren't backed up by testimony from the target of the slurs. Instead the board imposed a seven-month suspension.

In a ruling earlier this week, Judge LeRoy K. Martin said there was evidence the 43-year-old Annunzio repeatedly made racist, derogatory and disparaging remarks.

Thomas Needham, Annunzio's attorney, said his client was disappointed by the ruling and may appeal.