Men awarded $332,000 after toilet firing

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PORTLAND, Ore., May 22 (UPI) -- An aviation company was ordered to pay $332,000 to two Oregon men who were fired for complaining about their lack of access to a toilet.

A Multnomah County Circuit Court jury in Portland awarded the payout Friday to Douglas Eki and Xerxes "Jason" Doctolero, who were fired by Menzies Aviation in 2010 after they complained to the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division about the company failing to provide them with a toilet at Portland International Airport, resulting in the firm being cited, The (Portland) Oregonian reported Tuesday.

Juror Lila Zamani described the company's treatment of the men as "definitely despicable."

"We talked about the concept of dignity -- being able to go to the bathroom within 30 seconds or a minute," Zamani said.

The Oregonian said no one from Menzies Aviation could be reached for comment Monday. It was unclear whether officials would appeal the ruling.