Beth had worked at the Clevelander for a month when she was called to the head housekeeper's office.

Beth had worked at the Clevelander for a month when she was called to the head housekeeper's office. She was informed that another member of housekeeping, Janet, was suffering from lupus and was unable to sweep the stairs throughout the hotel. As such, Beth would be assigned to sweep the stairs, while Janet would clean the small kitchen in the employees' lounge that Beth usually performed. Beth felt that this was unfair and retaliatory, yet said nothing.