Couple Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against Centre Electric
Wilmer Muchacho and Jose Cordero allege workplace harassment and wrongful termination in Maine.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in LGBTQand
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A married gay couple has filed a lawsuit against Centre Electric, alleging a pattern of discrimination and harassment during their employment as solar installers. The plaintiffs claim they faced slurs, food throwing, and unequal treatment before being fired.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiffs were terminated for reporting illegal conduct and discrimination, potentially testing protections under Maine and federal labor laws. The case highlights ongoing legal debates regarding workplace safety and equality for LGBTQ employees in Maine.
Plaintiffs Wilmer Muchacho, 46, and Jose Cordero, 30, are seeking back pay and compensatory damages for alleged labor law violations. The lawsuit follows the receipt of right to sue letters from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The players
Wilmer Muchacho
Wilmer Muchacho is a 46-year-old plaintiff and former solar panel installer at Centre Electric.
Jose Cordero
Jose Cordero is a 30-year-old plaintiff and former solar panel installer at Centre Electric.
Centre Electric
Centre Electric is the company named as the defendant in the discrimination lawsuit.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the federal agency that issued the right to sue letters to the plaintiffs.
The details
The complaint alleges that the couple was subjected to slurs and hostile behavior by coworkers, as well as the denial of work opportunities provided to other staff members. After reporting the harassment to their supervisor, the plaintiffs were transferred to a work site in Mattawamkeag before their eventual termination.
Timeline
May 2023: Plaintiffs began their employment with Centre Electric.
September 2023: Harassment reportedly began four months into their tenure.
February 2024: The couple was terminated from their positions.
October 14, 2026: The lawsuit was officially filed in the U.S. District Court of Maine.
Culture Shift
This case fits into a broader societal trend of challenging workplace environments that fail to uphold protections for LGBTQ employees. It reflects a growing push for institutional accountability and the enforcement of established civil rights statutes in the professional sector.
Residents may notice increased public attention on corporate compliance with state anti-discrimination laws. The outcome of this trial could clarify how Maine labor regulations apply to private sector workplace conduct for future employees and employers.
The takeaway
Workplace discrimination claims often rely on thorough documentation of incidents and reporting efforts made to supervisors. Employees who believe they have faced unfair treatment are encouraged to consult official guidelines from relevant labor commissions.
Further reading
For additional context on legal protections and rights, visit the Maine LGBTQand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bangor Daily News.
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