SEATTLE (AP) - A jury has found that the Port of Seattle wrongfully terminated two employees, who allegedly were fired for refusing to extend leases of airport business favored by a Port commissioner.
The Seattle Times reports the King County jury made the finding Thursday and will begin assessing damages on Monday.
Deanna Zachrisson and Elaine Lincoln claimed that Commissioner John Creighton retaliated against them for opposing the lease concessions to some of his major campaign donors.
Creighton told the newspaper Friday that he continues to stand by the Port staff’s decision that the defendants violated the Port’s policy of zero tolerance in disparaging Port tenants and colleagues over email. He has denied wrongdoing.
A spokesman for the Port said it recognizes the verdict but stands by its decision.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
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