City to Defend ‘Alcoholism Discrimination’ Lawsuit
Jonathan Blazek was fired last March after he was caught drinking on the job — driving a snowplow truck for the city of Lakewood. Now, he’s suing the city.
It looks as if Jonathan Blazek will have his day in court. The former city of Lakewood employee was fired for drinking on the job — driving a snowplow truck — in March 2012. Blazek, a self-admitted alcoholic, then filed a complaint in federal court alleging discrimination based on his alcoholism. He’s seeking reinstatement, full back pay, and attorney fees. Following last week's hearing in US District Court Northern District of Ohio, a status conference with Judge Patricia Gaughan is scheduled on April 29. The city has hired an outside law firm to defend the case. “Our intention is to defend it fully, as we have every step of the way,” said Kevin Butler, the city’s law director. “He was not terminated based on his alcoholism. He was …
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Barbara
5:22 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
With any job an employee can not drink or be intoxacated, especially operating a machine. Actually I feel that his employer should have called the police and they should have arrested him for DUI also. When we drive and drink we are subject to a DUI arrest. more ›