Leonard Corrigan, a former employee of a local government entity, has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer over an alleged wrongful termination and the subsequent refusal to arbitrate the dispute. The complaint was filed by Leonard Corrigan in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on January 21, 2025, against the City of Lake Worth.
The case revolves around Corrigan's claim that he was unjustly terminated from his position as an Electric Meterman on July 26, 2024. According to the complaint, Corrigan had been employed by the City since June 28, 2012, and had been promoted through various roles before his termination. He argues that his dismissal violated the terms of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective since December 7, 2021. This agreement allows employees to file grievances for "misapplication or misinterpretation" of its terms and provides a structured process for resolving such disputes through arbitration.
Corrigan contends that he followed all necessary steps outlined in the CBA's grievance procedure after his termination but was unlawfully barred from proceeding to arbitration by the City. His attempts included initiating step one of the grievance process via email on August 5, 2024, to relevant city officials. Despite these efforts and further demands for arbitration made by his counsel on September 3, 2024, Corrigan claims that the City wrongfully refused to engage in arbitration.
The plaintiff seeks declaratory relief under Florida Statute §86.011 and requests that the court compel arbitration as per the CBA's terms. Additionally, Corrigan is seeking compensation for costs incurred due to this legal action, including reasonable attorney fees. He asserts that without arbitration or proper resolution of his grievance, he continues to suffer irreparable harm such as loss of employment benefits and economic damage.
Representing Leonard Corrigan is Isidro Garcia from Garcia Law Firm P.A., based in West Palm Beach. The Case ID is: 502025CA000522XXXAMB Div: Al.