On April 12, Gentile was fired, and now the Glen Carbon man says that for more than a decade the university’s Board of Trustees intentionally misclassified his employment status to keep from paying him pension, health insurance, vacation, holidays and other benefits.
Gentile’s attorney, James Nowogrocki of St. Louis, filed a complaint recently in Madison County Circuit Court, asking a judge to reinstate Gentile at his former job, with the proper job classification so that he can receive the benefits to which he was entitled. He is also seeking, among other things, “an order awarding such further or other relief that this Court deems just and proper.”
The complaint also claims that Gentile has a kidney disease and that the university unlawfully discriminated against him because of that. In addition, it claims that Gentile routinely worked more than 40 hours a week but was not compensated for the extra hours, which violates the Illinois Minimum Wage Law.
Gentile has not found a new job and the suit also seeks reinstatement to his old position.
The university was served with the legal papers on Monday, and university spokesperson Greg Conroy said this week that the university has not had time to study them.
I say good luck to him. Oddly, in these upside-down days, non-profits are the only stations with pockets deep enough to make it worth sueing.
Thanks to Jack K. for the tip.
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