Former city employee files claim after alleged retaliation

On Behalf of | Jul 24, 2014 | Employer Retaliation |

Being dismissed from your job is often an upsetting experience. But what if you were dismissed on unfair terms? Perhaps you were reporting an unethical practice or perhaps you simply refused to perform illegal duties. All too often, employees in Indiana have their positions terminated for challenging an unfair employer. Retaliation of this nature should not be tolerated and those responsible must be challenged.

In Idaho, a former employee of Bonners Ferry is pursuing a claim against the city following his dismissal. He seeks $500,000 in damages for what he alleges was retaliatory discharge. He has named the City Administrator as the person responsible for this retaliation. He feels the decision stemmed at least in part from conversations with the administrator during which he discussed favoritism or reported OSHA violations.

After countering the administrator’s request to the city for a purchase which the former employee reported to be a waste of money, he received a reprimand. He felt that this was a direct act of retaliation. After voicing concerns about discrimination and bigotry to the administrator in a meeting, the former employee alleges he was given the option of either resigning or taking unpaid leave for six weeks.

His employment was later terminated by letter, despite a contract into which he had entered with the city prohibiting retaliation. According to the City Attorney, the claim is in the hands of an insurance provider used by Idaho’s government entities.

Cases such as this can take time to resolve and an attorney’s support can be invaluable. Although this employee is based in another state, workers in Indiana face similar problems all too often. Standing up to illegal and unfair conduct may be the only way to pursue justice and prevent the same treatment being given to future employees.

Source: Bonners Herald Online, “Ex-Bonners employee claims retaliation,” Aaron Bohachek, July 18, 2014

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