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North Dakota Oil Field Worker Files Discrimination Lawsuit

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Utah woman who worked in the North Dakota oil fields has filed a federal lawsuit against her former employer, alleging gender discrimination and equal pay violations.

Cindy Marchello, of Ogden, Utah, filed the lawsuit Monday in federal district court in North Dakota.

Marchello started working as a pump operator for Texas-based C&J Energy Services Inc. in October of 2012. She says her manager later gave her a desk job because it was "too dangerous" and "too cold" for her in the field.

Marchello also alleges that she was paid less than her male counterparts and that her employers threatened to fire her if she spoke out.

Marchello is being represented by Minneapolis-based Halunen Law.

A representative from C&J Energy Services didn't immediately return a request for comment.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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