For illustrative purposes only [Getty Images]. For illustrative purposes only [Getty Images].

Starwood Hotels and Resorts has been ordered to pay US $3 million after the company was found guilty of spying on an employee.

The hotel company set up a hidden camera by the work station of 46-year-old Moises Mendez, a baker at the Westin Hotel at Times Square, following repeated complaints from the baker he was being discriminated by the hotel.

Ecuadorian Mendez claimed the discrimination was based on his Hispanic race and national origin.

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Following the claims made to the hotel’s HR department, the company installed a hidden camera near his workstation in the kitchen.

On Wednesday afternoon, following a month-long trial, a jury found Starwood guilty of unlawful retaliation.

Mendez was awarded $1 million for his emotional distress and pain and suffering, and $2 million in punitive damages.

Mendez said in a statement: "I put my faith in America's system of justice and I look forward to going back to work today".