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Fired shop steward claims
By Debra Barayuga
company was after him
Star-BulletinA shop steward who was fired from McCabe Hamilton & Renny Co. and ordered to stay away from his workplace has filed a Circuit Court lawsuit alleging his former employer harassed and retaliated against him.
Dean K. Chung, who was fired Thursday, alleged that his employer was out to "get" him because of his efforts to protect union interests, including assisting the union in obtaining a contract provision that restricted the company's use of casual laborers as substitutes for union workers.
A state judge has ordered Chung to stay away from the McCabe premises after four International Longshore and Warehouse Union members alleged in affidavits that he had threatened them at a Jan. 5 union meeting.
Chung contended that the affidavits were false and defamatory, accusing him of being violent and as dangerous as Byran Uyesugi, a copy machine repairman arrested and charged in Hawaii's worst multiple slaying.
Chung contended that because of the court order, he was unable to fulfill his duties, resulting in his firing. He alleged that McCabe had him fired to intimidate union members from speaking out against the company.
Kraig M. Kennedy, executive vice president of McCabe, said he had not seen the suit and wanted to review it before responding to the allegations.
"Frankly we don't have the time or energy or inclination to go after anybody," he said. "On the other hand, we have a responsibility as employer to ensure a safe workplace for our employees."
