EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County car mechanic is suing a Midas store in Glen Carbon, alleging he was fired without proper cause.
Greg Polarine filed a lawsuit June 17 in Madison County Circuit Court against ITB Capital, Inc. and Anna Thebeau, alleging they violated the Illinois Whistleblower Act.
According to the complaint, on May 9, Polarine, who had worked at the Midas in Glen Carbon since 2012, discussed a wage dispute with Thebeau, and on May 10 he reported work safety issues at the Midas store to OSHA.
On May 17, the lawsuit states, an OSHA inspector came to the Midas store to perform site inspection, and the very next day Ploarine was fired because he went to OSHA.
As a result, the suit states, the plaintiff has suffered loss of income and benefits and emotional distress. The plaintiff alleges the defendants retaliated against him in retaliation for exercising his rights under the Whistleblower Act.
The plaintiff seeks a trial by jury, damages of more than $50,000 and reasonable attorney fees and costs. He is represented by attorneys Lee W. Barron and William D. Buchanan of Lee W. Barron PC in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court Case number 16-L-865