Woman Harassed

Stamford, CT: (Mar-08-08) Felicia Wirzbicki, a former human resources generalist, brought a lawsuit against the city, alleging she was wrongly terminated from her job. Wirzbicki claimed that she was fired because of both a medical condition and her religion, which includes a belief in reincarnation. The city stated that the termination was a result of Wirzbicki's sending inappropriate e-mails and voice mails that referenced a romantic interest in Director of Legal Affairs Thomas Cassone. City officials said the messages, in which Wirzbicki stated she had a crush on and "ancient connection" to Cassone, violated the city's sexual harassment policy and technology policy, which covers use of city computers, telephones and other electronic devices. Following the firing, Wirzbicki filed a complaint with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

As part of a settlement reached, the city agreed to pay Felicia Wirzbicki $64,114 and allow her to retain her medical benefits for one year. In exchange, Wirzbicki agreed to withdraw her CHRO complaint and waive her rights to take any legal action against the city or re-apply for a city job. The city agreed to pay her $46.97 hourly wage for 195 days - compensating her for 130 sick days and 10 vacation days she had accrued plus 55 additional days. The city also agreed to continue her medical benefits until Mar. 1, 2009, and rescind her termination, allowing her to resign voluntarily. [THE ADVOCATE: STAMFORD, EX-EMPLOYEE REACH SETTLEMENT]

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Published on Mar-10-08