Former director sues redevelopment authority
Former Executive Director Stephanie King is suing the Uniontown Redevelopment Authority, alleging that board chairman Alvin Mundel misled her regarding payment of unused her sick time. King alleges that she is owed $17,281 for 90 accrued sick days. She is also seeking damages for fraud, attorney’s fees and costs, and punitive and other damages, for a total amount of at least $25,000.
According to a civil suit filed in Fayette County Court by King’s attorney Daniel J. Iler, the redevelopment authority employed King for 28 years and one month prior to her retirement on Feb. 28, 2002.
Eight months before her retirement, King alleges that she discussed her accrued sick days with Mundel, who gave her the option of either ceasing to work on Nov. 30, 2001 and taking 90 sick days, or working through Feb. 28, 2002 and taking a lump sum payment for those days.
Relying on Mundel’s representation, King opted to continue working in order to train her replacement workers, and agreed to take the lump sum payment, according to the suit.
However, King’s suit alleges that the redevelopment authority board of directors hasn’t acted on the issue of her accrued sick pay, even though her attorney has written to the authority solicitor. The suit also notes that King has tried to seek relief through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor to no avail.
The suit also notes that the authority “had a policy” of paying retiring employees up to 90 days worth of accrued, unused sick time, a policy that was in effect at the time King had her pre-retirement conversation with Mundel.
“Mr. Mundel, as agent for the defendant, coerced the plaintiff into taking an action, being continuing to work, that was against her economic interests,” says the suit. “The defendant (the redevelopment authority) induced the plaintiff to act in a manner inconsistent with her financial interest by making a promise that it apparently had no intention of keeping.”
The suit demands a jury trial.