May Sue The City For Wrongful Termination

The former manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta has retained a law firm known for its work in wrongful termination and whistleblower cases.

Two weeks ago, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed terminated airport manager Miguel Southwell, cited long lines at the airport as one reason for the termination.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Southwell has retained the law firm Parks Chesin & Walbert. Attorney Lee Parks sent a letter to Mayor Reed, saying Southwell was told the airport lines were the reason for the termination, but which also suggests that the Mayor wanted more say in contract decisions as the airport gets set for a wave of construction and remodeling projects.

In a written statement responding to the letter, Reed said Southwell "is struggling to rescue what remains of his career and this is evident in the fact that he is now making false statements against my Administration and me.”

The letter says Southwell was "given just thirty minutes to make a major career decision and then ‘bull rushed’ out the door when he refused to resign."

Parks said that the firm has opened an investigation into the firing, and asks for the city's cooperation in providing documents and other information that will assist in that probe. It also says that the firm hopes "the city will participate in settlement discussions or mediation at the conclusion of our investigation.”

Southwell was offered three months severance.

FMI: www.atlantaga.gov