Central Park worker sacked for ‘sleeping on the job’ sues for disability: ‘I was shocked’
A longtime Central Park worker says he was unfairly fired after struggling with a medical condition that left him feeling drowsy during the day, and he is now taking legal action.
Gregory Holder, 60, has filed a lawsuit against the Central Park Conservancy, claiming he was dismissed last year because of symptoms tied to sleep apnea, a recognized medical disorder. According to the complaint, Holder had worked for the organization for eight years, earning multiple promotions and building a strong record before losing what he describes as his “dream” job.
The lawsuit states that Holder was let go after being accused of taking breaks and falling asleep while on duty. However, he argues that these issues were directly related to his condition, which causes interrupted breathing during sleep and can lead to ongoing fatigue during waking hours.
Holder says he informed his employer about his diagnosis months before his termination by providing a doctor’s note that explained his condition and its effects, including daytime drowsiness. Despite this, he claims the organization never followed up with him to discuss possible accommodations that could have allowed him to continue working effectively.
His attorney argues that once the employer was made aware of the condition, it had a responsibility to engage in a conversation about reasonable adjustments, such as modifying his work schedule to better align with his health needs. According to the lawsuit, that conversation never took place.
Instead, Holder says he was abruptly fired in August 2025 without prior warning. He maintains that no concerns were raised with him after he disclosed his condition, making the termination unexpected. He also disputes the idea that he was regularly sleeping on the job, explaining that at most he may have briefly closed his eyes if seated for too long.
Holder, a lifelong New Yorker and grandfather of five, described his deep connection to the job, saying he took pride in maintaining the park and saw the work as meaningful. Over the years, he advanced from a maintenance role to a supervisory position, eventually overseeing a team of 25 workers and earning about 110,000 dollars annually.
He said the fatigue began in late 2024, and he was formally diagnosed with sleep apnea in early 2025. After submitting medical documentation to his employer, he believed the issue had been addressed until he received a termination letter months later citing performance concerns, including missed meetings and extended breaks.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for lost income as well as damages related to emotional distress and harm to his professional reputation.
Since receiving treatment, Holder says his health has improved significantly. He has lost 80 pounds and reports that his breathing and energy levels are much better. Despite that progress, he remains out of work and says he is eager to return to a job similar to the one he lost.
About Post Author
