16-Year Les Schwab Employee Claims Retaliation That Included Finding Sexually Offensive Graffiti and Dead Rodent In His Locker After Returning From An Extended Illness

/VANCOUVER, WA - August 28, 2008 --/ A former Les Schwab Tire Company employee, Thaddeus ("Thad") Bradford, filed a lawsuit today alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and wage and hour violations.

The suit, filed by Bradford's Vancouver attorney, Greg Ferguson, stems from alleged retaliation and harassment toward Bradford after he returned from a two-month medical leave of absence because of an illness. He returned to work in early 2008 under doctor's restrictions and his shifts were limited to 8 hours or less while he recovered from a serious staph infection.

Bradford alleges that his managers told him they were upset because his absence had "cost the Company too much money", and accused him of "milking things out" in reference to his illness, to extend his leave as long as possible.

In reprisal for insisting that his medical condition be accommodated, Bradford claims he was repeatedly ridiculed and called a "wimp", a "girl", and a "pussy", while being pressured to work exhaustive hours beyond his doctor's restrictions that could have caused his illness to worsen.

The suit chronicles a series of actions that seemed designed to send a message that Bradford needed to "man-up", toughen up, and do what he was told despite what his doctor instructed. His work locker was accessed after hours and someone drew a crude picture of female genitalia in tire chalk with the words "piece of sh_t" scrawled underneath his name. Coupons for free panties from Victoria's Secret and a little girls' pink vinyl purse were also left in his locker. Finally, a dead rodent was stuffed into the pocket of his work uniform hanging in his locker and left to decompose.

Bradford also alleges that many of his accounts were reassigned and that he was "laid off" shortly after reporting the retaliation.

The suit identifies Les Schwab Tire Company of Washington, Inc. and its Battle Ground, Washington store manager, Jeff McCrary, as having violated Bradford's rights protected under Washington's Law Against Discrimination which protects workers from discrimination and retaliation because of medical disabilities, and further asserts that Bradford was wrongfully terminated after sixteen (16) years of service.

"Employees at this particular store seem to be viewed more like cattle to be whipped and humiliated into sustaining productivity and profitability rather than actual human beings entitled to some basic dignity" , attorney Greg Ferguson said. "We look forward to a thorough exploration into what, if any, corporate oversight was involved here, and how this all went down."

Bradford, who primarily provided service to commercial businesses in Clark and Cowlitz County, commented, "People get hurt. People get sick. The solution is not to just fire someone, especially after that 'someone' has devoted 16 years of blood, sweat and hard work."

The suit also claims that Bradford refused to sign off on timecards falsely certifying that he had been given all required meal and rest breaks and had been paid for all wages owed, when in truth he hadn't, and that his refusal played a part in his firing.

Thad Bradford is presently searching for work and says that he would consider reinstatement to his old job if he could be assured that the retaliation would stop. "I probably sound like a guy willing go back to an abusive old girlfriend, but I actually liked my job very much despite what I went through. I genuinely cared about the customers, and know I did a good job for the Company."

In addition to full reinstatement, the lawsuit also seeks civil damages for unlawfully withheld wages, front pay and back pay, emotional distress, and attorneys' fees. Mr. Bradford's suit is pending in Clark County Superior Court of the State of Washington, Cause Number 08-2-05535-7.

For more information contact:
Law Offices of Gregory D. Ferguson, PC 1104 Main Street, Suite 216 Vancouver, Washington 98660 Phone: 360-906-1167 Fax: 360-695-5800 Website: www.greg-ferguson.com <http://www.greg-ferguson.com>