City to Defend ‘Alcoholism Discrimination’ Lawsuit

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 terminated because he was found to have consumed alcohol while on duty.”

Four hours into his shift on March 13, 2012, Blazek failed a breathalyzer test, registering .132 blood-alcohol content — twice the legal limit and more than six times the city’s allowable limit.

“He’s admitted these facts,” Butler said. “The fact of the matter is that it isn’t because he is an alcoholic  — it’s that he was drunk on the job.”

Mayor Michael Summers added that the city followed proper procedure with Blazek’s termination.

“It doesn’t cost an employee anything to file an (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) claim,” he said. “Any employee can. That, to me is the greatest frustration any employer can face.”

Several years ago, Euclid Fire Chief Michael Dworning filed a similar lawsuit in 2006 against his former employer after he resigned from his post. 

In its decision, the Ohio Supreme Court sided with the city of Euclid.