Business
Ruling could impact larger Mohawk lawsuit
A Mohawk Industries employee’s claim that the company fired him for reporting illegal aliens working at a Calhoun plant could affect a larger pending lawsuit.
Last week, a panel of judges with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit upheld a ruling by U.S. District Judge Harold L. Murphy of Rome ordering Mohawk to release the details of conversations between former employee Norman Carpenter and company counsel Juan Morillo.
The case is tied to a lawsuit filed in January 2004 by four plaintiffs — former and current Mohawk employees Bonnie Jones, Gale Pelfrey, Lora Sisson and Shirley Williams — who allege Mohawk depressed the wages of legal workers by hiring illegal aliens, which they contend is in violation of state and federal racketeering laws. That case has made its way through several courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. The plaintiffs tried to bring class action status to the case, but Murphy denied the request. That ruling is being appealed in the 11th Circuit.
Carpenter, a former shift supervisor at the Union Grove Road plant in Calhoun, said he reported to Mohawk’s human resources department that several temporary employees hired by Mohawk through a temporary employment agency were in the country illegally. After making his report, Carpenter said he was required to meet with Morillo, who represents Mohawk in the lawsuit filed in 2004. A day after the meeting, Mohawk fired Carpenter, he said.
Carpenter alleges the meeting between he and Morillo “was designed to coerce him into recanting his report,” which company officials knew would be damaging to their defense in the 2004 lawsuit. Carpenter said he would not withdraw his report and was fired the day after the meeting.
In a court filing, Mohawk attorneys claim Carpenter was fired for attempting “to have Mohawk send a worker that Mr. Carpenter believed to be unauthorized to a temporary agency.” They contend it was a “clear violation of Mohawk’s Code of Ethics and an attempt to circumvent federal immigration law.”
“As his own statements demonstrate, Mr. Carpenter’s wild allegations that he was fired because of some conspiracy to influence his testimony are pure fantasy,” according to the court filing.
Calls on Wednesday to several of the attorneys involved were not immediately returned. Attorneys for Mohawk have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by the company.
Mohawk, based in Calhoun, is the world’s largest floorcovering manufacturer and employs more than 34,000.
- Business
-
-
Chamber to host census presentation
The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce will host a “Wake Up … Whitfield” breakfast on Tuesday at the Dalton Golf and Country Club.
-
Beware of IRS’ 2010 “Dirty Dozen” tax scams
The Internal Revenue Service has issued its 2010 “dirty dozen” list of tax scams, including schemes involving return preparer fraud, hiding income offshore and phishing.
-
Allstate recognizes Swanner
Allstate Insurance Co. has recognized Allstate exclusive agency owner Sue Swanner with the “Regional Champions” award for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and profitable business growth.
-
Mohawk looks at honor as challenge to improve
Company emphasizes “Continued Learning,” Mohawk University to introduce new programs.
-
Shaw Floors receives two awards
The company’s Shaw Anso nylon Consumer Brochure won a Gold ADDY Award and the 2008 Shaw Sustainability Report won a Silver ADDY Award.
-
Inside Insurance: So many motorcyclists, so hard to see
They come in many sizes. Their engine power can be low or super-high. There may be one or two riders per vehicle.
-
Walnut Avenue Chick-fil-A to reopen on Friday
There’s been a major renovation at the restaurant with an updated decor, new tables and chairs, fresh tile, upgraded restrooms and more.
-
Attorneys recognized in "super lawyers" magazine
William F. Jourdain and Jonathan L. Bledsoe of the Minor, Bell & Neal law firm in Dalton have been selected for inclusion in the 2010 edition of Georgia Super Lawyers magazine.
-
Shaw plant receives EPA designation
Shaw Industries Plant 95 in Dalton has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star designation, a national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection.
-
Metro area still losing jobs
Metro Dalton lost 2,900 jobs from January 2009 to January 2010, according to figures released Wednesday by the state labor department. The metro area includes Whitfield and Murray counties.
- More Business Headlines
-
Chamber to host census presentation
