Woman says she was fired over jury duty, court appoints attorney to sue SWIFT

Last month, interstate truck driver Kadyra Reddick served as a juror in a criminal trial in Orlando federal court that lasted several days. Soon after, Reddick received a "separation notice" from her employer, which stated she quit because of marital, family or personal problems.
But Reddick says she never resigned, and instead, Swift Transportation fired her because of her jury service. Now, Reddick is suing her former employer and is being represented by a lawyer appointed by the court.


"The only thing that most Americans do that is truly citizenship-related other than vote is to serve on juries," said Stetson University College of Law professor Charles Rose. "A private employer that would penalize an individual for performing their civil duty is reprehensible."
A spokesman for Swift Transportation would not comment on the lawsuit. Neither Reddick nor her attorney responded to the Sentinel's requests for comment.
Federal law states no employer shall fire, threaten to fire, intimidate or coerce a permanent employee because of their jury service. Employers that violate the law can be liable for damages and can be subject to a civil fine of up to $5,000 per violation.
Rose said such cases are rare.
Orange-Osceola Chief Judge Belvin Perry couldn't recall an instance in his circuit when a person was fired because they served on a jury, a court spokeswoman said.
Court records state that Reddick appeared for jury service as required on Jan. 9, but was temporarily excused with instructions to report back later in the month.
On Jan. 18, Reddick was seated on a jury. The same day, Swift informed Reddick they had a truck ready for her to pick up, but she told the company she was selected for a jury in a case that was slated to last five days.
Swift officials stopped communicating with Reddick after that date, even though she sent several emails and placed several calls to the company.
Reddick completed her jury service Jan. 23, and received a "separation notice" from Swift.
The reason for separation, according to the document, was not a lack of work or a discharge, but that she "quit."
The explanation: "MARITAL/FAMILY/PERSONAL PROBS."
In her lawsuit, Reddick said it's unclear why Swift would indicate that she quit on Jan. 10, when she and company officials communicated about her assignments after that date.
Reddick is seeking lost earnings, reinstatement, lost benefits, attorney fees and costs, and is asking that a judge to impose a civil fine against Swift for $5,000.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...it-20120213_1_jury-duty-jury-service-employer