MADISON, Wis. — An arbiter has recommended that CUNA be ordered to pay damages, back pay and expenses as well as the legal fees of former senior vice president Mike Miller who alleged he was fired because he complained about sexist and homophobic comments.
CUNA was motivated to fire Miller on Sept. 9, 2004 "because of his exercise of his right to oppose a discriminatory practice on the part of (CUNA Madison Chief Operating Officer (John) Franklin," Madison Equal Opportunity Commission Hearing Examiner Clifford Blackwell wrote.
He added that CUNA is a workplace "with an unusually high level of internal fighting and personality conflicts" and while noting that CUNA President Dan Mica has tried to change that aspect of the culture, that did not happen with regards to Franklin."
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Blackwell recommended that CUNA pay Miller $75,000 in damages for emotional distress and that attorneys for both sides work out an agreement for back pay and benefits.
Miller's lawyer Michael Fox said they are "very pleased" with the decision.
CUNA Vice President of Communications Pat Keefe said his in a statement that his organization "strongly disagrees with the findings of the Hearing Examiner of the Madison Equal Opportunities Commission. CUNA does not discriminate or retaliate against any of its employees under any circumstances, and did not do so in the case at issue. CUNA will aggressively explore all options to appeal the decision. Until that decision is made, CUNA cannot comment any further about this case."
Blackwell's recommendation must be approved by the full Madison Equal Opportunity Commission. The commission's decisions can be appealed through the state judicial system.
Fox said they would also file a lawsuit against CUNA in federal court.
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