Francisco-Farrell
Francisco-Farrell v. Local Union No. 112 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM *
Terri Francisco-Farrell was both a member of defendant Local 112 and employed by Local 112 as an appointed secretary/bookkeeper, working under the direct supervision of the Business Manager. The elected office of Business Manager is the highest ranking position in the Local, and the Business Manager has plenary power to appoint and fire members of the administrative staff. During an election for Business Manager, Francisco-Farrell supported Chris Wickstrand, her fiancé, against David Smith, the incumbent and Franciseo-Farrell’s current boss. Smith won the election and later fired Francisco-Farrell for being unsupportive of his administration.
Francisco-Farrell sued Local 112 and David Smith, arguing that they had violated provisions of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, 29 U.S.C. § 401 et seq. (“LMRDA”). The case was tried to a jury, and the jury returned a verdict for Francisco-Farrell on the LMRDA claims, awarding her $185,000 in damages, including $20,000 in punitive damages. The district court awarded Francisco-Farrell attorneys’ fees in the amount of $187,388.75 and prejudgment interest on the backpay component of her award.