Woman blames job loss on military commitment, gender discrimination

CHARLESTON – A woman alleges she lost her job because she was placed on active duty for the U.S. Air Force.

Tammy J. Bandy alleges she was working for defendant Professional Anesthesia Services as a certified nurse anesthesiest beginning in 2011. In 2009, had Bandy joined the Air Force, but Professional Anesthesia Services was not aware of her job when it hired her.

In 2012, Bandy learned she would be called to active duty as soon as her security clearance was approved, according to the complaint filed Aug. 15 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

When Bandy informed her human resources supervisor about the active duty, however, she was suspended for an alleged violation of company policy, the suit states. About one week later, Bandy was fired, the complaint says.

Bandy contends another male co-worker was able to remain employed while on active duty. She says she lost her job due to her gender. Due to her job loss, Bandy suffered embarrassment, humiliation, annoyance, inconvenience and emotional distress, according to the complaint.

Bandy says Professional Anesthesia Associates violated substantial public policy and discriminated against her because of her gender. In her complaint, Bandy seeks unspecified damages, plus pre- and post- judgment interest, attorney fees and other relief the court deems just.

Todd S. Bailess of Bailess Law Office in Charleston, and Michael L. Glasser and Larry O. Ford of Meyer, Ford, Glasser and Radman in Charleston will represent her.

The case number is Kanawha Circuit Court case 14-c-1470