Maintenance Worker Sues After Being Fired Over Sleep Apnea

A maintenance worker at Central Park, Gregory Holder, 60, is taking legal action against the Central Park Conservancy after losing what he describes as his “dream” job. He claims his termination was due to his sleep apnea, which he argues is a recognized disability, causing him to fall asleep during the day.

In his lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Holder expresses disbelief over his firing after eight years of dedicated service and multiple promotions. He insists that he was not adequately supported by his employer regarding his condition.

Six months prior to his dismissal, he provided a medical note confirming that he suffers from sleep apnea, a disorder that leads to chronic fatigue due to interruptions in breathing during sleep. However, he alleges that management took his condition lightly, suggesting he transformed park maintenance into “slumber fests,” which he vigorously denies.

“If I sit for too long, I sometimes close my eyes for a few seconds, but that’s not napping,” he explained, emphasizing that he remains committed to his responsibilities.

Holder’s lawyer, Chiamaka Echeviri, argues that once the conservancy was informed about his condition, they had an obligation to discuss his needs and provide reasonable adjustments, such as altering his work hours. However, this discussion never occurred, and he was terminated without prior warning in August 2025.

Reflecting on his firing, Holder expressed shock and disappointment, stating, “I loved my job. I loved working at the park. It was like a second home.” He had planned to continue working there for many more years.

The Central Park Conservancy, responsible for maintaining the park, did not comment on the situation.

During his tenure, Holder ascended from a maintenance worker to a supervisor, earning around $110,000 annually and managing a team of 25. He took great pride in ensuring the park was clean and enjoyable for everyone.

According to the lawsuit, he began experiencing significant daytime drowsiness in late 2024. A director at his workplace, noting his symptoms, recognized them as characteristic of sleep apnea, as he had encountered similar issues himself.

In January 2025, a doctor confirmed the diagnosis of sleep apnea and the associated daytime fatigue. Holder submitted this memo to his supervisor. Things seemed fine until he received a letter notifying him of his dismissal for allegedly “falling asleep on duty,” citing a “pattern” of behavior and claiming he had received several warnings about his performance.

Holder was left stunned, feeling the process unfolded unexpectedly and without opportunity for him to clarify the situation. His lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, humiliation, reputational damage, and lost wages.

Interestingly, since receiving treatment and losing 80 pounds, he notes that his condition has improved significantly, saying he feels energetic and ready to work again.