Johnson lineman fired for violating village harassment policy

The village terminated Stankiewicz on the grounds that he violated its harassment policy, according to the former lineman, a policy that was adopted after the village’s initial attempt to lay him off failed and his union-mandated return prompted the resignation of Troy and Meredith Dolan, Johnson’s former village manager and foreman.

Stankiewicz has long alleged that he has been the victim of years of harassment that continued even after the departure of the Dolans.

“Their verbal abuse, I tried to shrug it off, and it’s not good enough for them, so they vandalized my vehicle to get me fired up, so then they can turn around and say that I lose my temper easily, that I’m dangerous to work with,” Stankiewicz said.

The former lineman reported recent incidents of alleged harassment to the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, but officers took no action as he failed to provide any evidence to support his accusations.

Village board of trustees discussed Stankiewicz’s employment in an executive session, citing “disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee.”

Bailey confirmed following the meeting that Stankiewicz was no longer an employee of the village.

Stankiewicz was informed prior to the meeting that he would be fired, and that officers with the Lamoille County Sheriff's Department would be on hand to escort him to collect his personal items.

Though he expressed some hope that his union might come to his aid as they did when he was laid off three years ago, Stankiewicz said they weren’t rushing to his defense.

Tim LaBombard, a representative of the South Burlington-based International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300, was present for the meeting at which Stankiewicz was fired but it’s unclear what role he played.

Bailey said that, should Stankiewicz decide to appeal his termination, that appeal would be heard in a public forum. Stankiewicz said he won’t appeal his firing, saying that he had no desire to return to the toxic situation with his coworkers now that his superiors have made their position clear.

He did say he would be seeking some kind of legal remuneration.

“One way or another, I intend on suing the village for all kinds of stuff,” Stankiewicz said prior to his termination.