Former Rutherford employees seek back pay over losing their jobs

Posted on May 22, 2015
Dan Rutherford
Three former workers for ex-state Treasurer Dan Rutherford say they’re still being punished for providing damaging evidence in a sexual harassment investigation of Rutherford. (WJBC file photo)

By Eric Stock

CHICAGO – Three employees fired by then-Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford want back pay and to have their records cleared.

They say they were let go after they came forward with claims of sexual harassment and official misconduct by Rutherford. Those allegations were the basis for a federal lawsuit against Rutherford while he was in the midst of a campaign for governor.

The ex-employees say they might sue as new Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs has refused their demands.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…