EDWARDSVILLE — A former worker at the Kraft Heinz manufacturing facility in Granite City claims she was fired in retaliation for filing a Workers' Compensation claim.
Mary Watson filed a complaint Feb. 18 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Kraft Heinz Foods Company, alleging retaliatory discharge.
Watson began working for Kraft Heinz Foods on May 8, 2001, and worked at the company's manufacturing plant in Granite City until February 2, 2021, the suit states. She alleges that on Oct. 20, 2020, she suffered "severe and permanent" injuries on the job and filed an Illinois Workers' Compensation claim for her medical treatment and time off from work for that treatment.
Watson alleges in her complaint that she was terminated on Feb. 2, 2021, in retaliation for filing a Workers' Compensation claim "under the pretext of having been off work in excess of the allotted time for an injury" according to the company's policy.
She claims she has suffered loss of "substantial wages," health and dental insurance coverage, 401(k) benefits, vacation and sick time as well as loss of her seniority with Kraft Heinz.
Watson seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. She is represented by Thomas Rich, Kristina Cooksey , Michelle Rich, Aaron Chappell and Caitlin Rich of Rich, Rich, Cooksey & Chappell PC in Fairview Heights.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-000207