Stan Smith, a worker from Orlando, Florida, is claiming he was fired by his Trump supporting boss, George Daniels-President of Daniels Manufacturing Corporation (DMC)- for publicly speaking out against a pro-Trump letter sent to workers with their pay-slips.
The letter reportedly read:
"If Trump and the Republicans win, DMC will hopefully be able to continue operating, more or less as it has been operating lately,"
"However, if Biden and the Democrats win, DMC could be forced to begin permanent layoffs beginning in late 2020 and/or early 2021,"
In an interview with WESH 2 News Smith said of the letter:
"Everybody has a choice to make their own decision. I don't feel like it was correct to do something like that."
Smith had also stated that the letter was one reason he had planned on resigning but his boss had him terminated before this could happen after Smith's interview about the letter.
WESH 2 News
Smith is now working with an attorney on a law suit claiming his worker contract was terminated illegally and that the letter may breach Ferrell voter intimidation laws.
Daniels Manufacturing, which makes tools and electronics for the military, aerospace, and aircraft industries, had a different version of the events. The company alleged that Smith quit his position and was not fired.
After refusing to meet with WESH 2 News, DMC sent a statement saying "DMC did not terminate Mr. Smith" continuing to say he offered to "resign his employment" and "Mr. Smith later asked if he could rescind his resignation."
DMC said it told Smith the offer could not be rescinded but changed it's mind after the situation aired deciding to extend an offer of reinstatement as a courtesy-which Smith allegedly declined.
Mr. Smith's attorney, Richard Celler, responded to the statement saying Smith was initially pressured to quit and then fired.
Celler explained the lawsuit stating:
"What gets us into court here, is that he was fired for objecting to what was going on."
"One could look at this and say, well it doesn't say vote for Trump or you're fired. But my favorite expression is, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck."
Celler added:
"So in essence, this is telling people we need you to go out and vote for Trump to save your jobs."
The lawsuit claims DMC is in violation of "Florida's Private Whistleblower Act" for "Unlawful Retaliation. Adding the company's alternative account of events was a "cover up for illegal retaliation."
Those who caught wind of the situation had their own thoughts on DMC's alleged conduct.
Voter intimidation undermines democracy, if you see something say something, even as an anonymous tip.
