NYC Library Worker Sues for $4.6 Million Over Desk Size Dispute

William Martin claims a too-small desk caused physical and emotional harm, alleging harassment and discrimination by his employer.

William Martin, a 6-foot-2, 360-pound employee of the New York Public Library, has filed a $4.6 million lawsuit over being assigned to a desk he claims was too small for his frame.
Martin alleges the desk's cramped design caused him physical discomfort and emotional trauma, leading to anxiety and depression.
The lawsuit accuses a library director of harassment, claiming Martin was repeatedly assigned to the problematic desk despite prior accommodations arranged by his union.
Martin was later suspended following accusations of sleeping on the job, which he denies, further exacerbating his mental health struggles.
The New York Public Library has dismissed the lawsuit as meritless, asserting its commitment to employee fairness and accommodations.