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Wyoming Area Bosses Accused of Targeting Worker

Wyoming Area Bosses Accused of Targeting Worker - Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 11:30PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Thursday, Aug 6, 2009 @ 11:30pm EST

EXETER, LUZERNE COUNTY- A Wyoming Area School district employee was wrongfully terminated three years ago according to an order filed Thursday by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.

Bill Simmons, a former maintenance worker, said Wyoming Area's superintendent targeted him because of his position with the union. Simmons was support staff president and, in November 2006, had recently challenged Supt. Raymond Bernardi over a union matter. Shorty thereafter, Simmons claims Bernardi increased his workload, requiring him to complete grueling assignments. As a result, Simmons' health failed. He resigned his position, citing a tumultuous relationship with Bernardi.

Simmons says after a few days, his health improved and he attempted to rescind his resignation, explaining he had made a mistake. But according to a memorandum released to WBRE Eyewitness News, it was too late for Simmons. While he says he had hoped his job was still available because the school board hadn't officially accepted his resignation, he was instead terminated for cause. Simmons said as a result his wife had to pick up a second job. He also found work, but at a substantially lower salary.

Thursday's order grants Simmons full reinstatement and back pay. Bernardi said in an interview outside his West Pittston home he would not be appealing the Labor Relation's Board's ruling.

But Bernardi questioned the media's interest in Simmons' case. He said if a federal jury hadn't ruled against the district last Friday, a reporter and photographer wouldn't be standing outside his house. Bernardi likened the issue to the union kicking the district while it was down, referring to the negative media surrounding a $500,000 verdict against the district for alleged political witchhunting. Three ex-employees fought their termination. It was learned the school board and superintendent lashed out against them, later firing them because they shared politically different views. Another $100,000 could be added to the half-million dollar verdict.

Bernardi has previously said he disagreed with the jury's verdict and on the advice of counsel, declined to comment further.
 


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