Warning about mesothelioma dealth may have gotten clerk fired

Nov 5, 2009

Shelly Warner-Levison used to be the senior court clerk in Potsdam, New York. She claims that she was fired illegally after she spoke out about asbestos and workplace safety at the Potsdam Civic Center following the death of former co-worker Sharon LaDuke. LaDuke died of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, back in May.

Warner-Levison was fired on August 25, which happened to be the day that the local newspaper quoted her about workplace safety at the Potsdam Civic Center. Mayor Reinhold Tischler sent a memo to the village board stating that she had been fired for insubordination, but Warner-Levison disagrees.

On October 5, Warner-Levison filed a three-page notice of claim to the village, indicating that she may sue, and alleging that she was illegally fired in retaliation for her public comments about asbestos and workplace safety. She alleges that her right to free speech was violated and that her character has been defamed. The former senior court clerk is seeking reinstatement to her job and may seek damages for loss of employment, wages and benefits, and for damage to her reputation.

The Public Employee Health and Safety Bureau conducted air testing at the Potsdam Civic Center back in June, where they discovered asbestos in the ceiling tile mastic. They had received an anonymous tip from an employee, who Warner-Levison now claims was her.

For the full story, go to Watertown Daily Times.

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