ESL worker files wrongful termination suit

City of East St. Louis worker Willie Reese filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against her former employer alleging the city violated its own ordinance.

Reese, represented by Jack A. Strellis of Waterloo, is seeking in excess of $50,000 for lost income, benefits and entitlement to her prospective retirement.

According to the complaint, the city cannot lay off regular, full-time employees when there are part-time employees serving in similar positions. Lay-offs are to occur in reverse order of an employee's total service with the city.

Reese claims there were seven others serving in her department with less seniority.

Reese was terminated on Oct. 31, 2005.

The suit was filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court April 24.