CHARLESTON – A Kanawha County volunteer firefighter is suing over claims he was fired due to absences related to his volunteer work.
Michael Bowles filed a lawsuit Dec. 2, 2014, in Kanawha Circuit Court against Lowe's Home Centers and Steve Young.
According to the complaint, Bowles worked at the Kanawha County Lowe's store from 2011 until May 28, 2014, when he was fired by his supervisor, Young, due to having too many absences, most of which were related to emergency calls in his work as a volunteer firefighter. The complaint states public policy prohibits an employer from discharging employees based upon time lost as volunteer firefighter or emergency medical personnel.
Bowles seeks reinstatement or front pay, back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and attorney fees.
He is represented by attorneys J. Michael Ranson and Cynthia M. Ranson of Ranson Law Offices in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King, Jr.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 14-C-2116
Volunteer firefighter claims wrongful termination
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