A federal jury in New York has ordered a $US3 million payout to a hotel worker over claims of discrimination.

It’s one of the biggest awards of its kind on record.

Moises Mendez, a 46-year-old immigrant from Ecuador who works as a baker at the Westin Times Square, claims the hotel installed a hidden camera near his work station in the kitchen soon after he filed written complaints of unlawful discrimination with the personnel department.

"The hotel spied on a man who dared complain about how he was treated", his lawyer said, according to the New York Daily News.

Hotel management said the camera was supposed to protect Mendez and was approved by his union.

The jury awarded Mr Mendez $US1 million for pain and suffering and ordered the hotel’s parent company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts to pay him another $US2 million in punitive damages.

Starwood lawyers said they will seek to have the verdict overturned.

Lawyers for Mr Mendez said he still works at the hotel and planned to show up for work the next day.