Posted on 11/09/2005 2:31:32 PM PST by elkfersupper
The Weyco Inc. executive who gained global attention earlier this year for his tough anti-tobacco workplace policy is under fire again.
Howard Weyers, founder of the Okemos-based benefits administrator, has been accused of sexual harassment. Weyco Inc. also is named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed Oct. 19 in the Ingham County Circuit Court by former employee Christine Ramon.
A response to the lawsuit hasn't been filed, but attorney Erin Gravelyn of the Dickinson Wright law firm said she will "defend the claims vigorously" for Weyco and Weyers.
Ramon said she was advised to not talk about the case by her attorney, Carolyn Bovee.
The suit alleges Weyers harassed Ramon several times in 2002, including:
• Hugging Ramon
• Massaging her shoulders
• Inserting his finger in her ear
• Grabbing her buttocks
• Forcibly turning her around to embrace her.
The lawsuit also states that Weyco failed to act when Ramon complained.
Ramon is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000.
Weyco became famous last year when it terminated four employees who refused to take a test to determine whether they used tobacco products.
Since then, the company has been featured in newspapers and television news shows around the world.
Sunday's episode of CBS' "60 Minutes" featured an interview with Weyers, who talked about the company's policy.
In a statement, Gravelyn questioned the timing of the lawsuit.
"The timing and circumstances of the filing of the suit suggest that the plaintiff is attempting to take advantage of the attention Mr. Weyers and the company have received by bringing the smoking issue into the national forum," Gravelyn said. "That is unfortunate."
Can you say Schadenfreude?
Ping.
This one is a laugher... smoking by employees on their own time bad, sexual harassment by the boss on company time good.
Gotta' be careful what you ask for from the Nanny State........you might just get it.
Live by the PC sword...die by the PC sword.
"Quit smoking."
"No."
"Quit smoking, or you're fired."
"I don't think so."
"Well, maybe, just let me put my......finger.....in your.....ear."
"GOTCHA!."
Gee, there goes all the savings!!!
Tee-hee.
He can use all the insurance savings to pay his sex-harass attorneys.
"...terminated four employees who refused to take a test to determine whether they used tobacco products." If this guy was instrumental in that action, I am pleased he is being sued. I hope the babe takes him down big-time! He is, clearly, a really mean spirited bastard!
This could be a bogus lawsuit designed to "get back" at the owner. I hope it's not, and she takes him to the cleaners if it's true, though.
He instituted it. He owns the company.
It smells like it is, and I hope she takes him to the cleaners anyway.
This is just too bloody funny!!!!!!!!!!!
I have also read that Weyers has admitted he has no idea if smoking employees cost more than non-smoking employees
Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha !
My memory may be faulty but I remember this same firm being the lawyers that drafted the no smoking policy but they are now suing Weyco..."attorney Erin Gravelyn of the Dickinson Wright law firm "...conflict of interest?
Oops, nevermind, they are defending the company too, in addition to writing the no smoking policy.
I'm like elkfersupper, I don't like these types of lawsuits, but in this caseI truly hope it is not a frivolous suit and actually has merit.
>>>>Inserting his finger in her ear
Huh? Why would you do this?
EEeeewww!
Come to think of it - you're right. That is gross.
oops. LOL.
You're funny!!!!!!!!
And I just realized, I'm tired and don't feel like falling asleep on my keyboard.
Talk to you tomorrow, my FRiend :)
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