Man With Down Syndrome Fired From His Job After 20 Years Of Loyal Service | “I Love My Job"

A woman in Gaston County, North Carolina revealed on Facebook that her brother with Down syndrome was fired from his job at Wendy’s. She wrote that it was Dennis' "dream" to retire from there someday "and he was looking forward to a huge retirement party, we may just give him that party and tell him he has retired because he does not understand being fired!!!!!!! They told me was unable to perform the duties of a normal person's job!!!! I am also looking into a wrongful termination of a special needs employee, wish me luck! I am very disappointed with the management at Wendy’s in Stanley, they have no idea how they hurt my brother!"

Dennis Peek spoke to WBTV saying that he worked at the outlet for a long time and he did so because of the food. "A lot of food to eat. It’s good stuff. I love Baconator,” he said. “I love my job at Wendy’s.” His sister Cona Turner was devastated to hear about her brother's dismissal. "He’s always excited to go to work,” she told the outlet. “He loves seeing people come in and speak to him. He loves to interact with people.” "I will not let anybody mistreat my brother,” she added.

Dennis's story made it all the way up to corporate and even got a response from the company. Carolina Restaurant Group, the franchise organization that operates the Stanley location of Wendy’s, shared a statement about the incident with TODAY. "We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and customers,” the statement read. “This was a very unfortunate mistake and lapse in protocol ..." Dennis later revealed that the company offered his job back. "My heart is overwhelmed by the support that you all have given my brother and myself! Thank you all so much!!" Turner said at the time. In a second update on Facebook, Turner announced that her brother will not be returning to Wendy’s. "He will be having his BIG RETIREMENT party that he has been wanting. Wendy’s has offered to help with expenses and anything else they can for his special day. I feel in my heart at this point, I should do what is best for my brother," she wrote, adding, "Thank you all again for all your love and support for my brother!"

References:

https://www.today.com/food/restaurants/man-down-syndrome-fired-wendys-rcna51402

https://www.wbtv.com/2022/10/06/post-goes-viral-after-man-with-special-needs-fired-his-job-20-years-corporate-calling-it-an-unfortunate-mistake/

Cover Image Source: Facebook | Cona Young Turner