Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Case to force Joy Global to pay up will be pressed
By Krista Brown
Daily news staff writer
During a season of peace and justice, former employees of Beloit Corporation have seen some justice this week.
Sen. Judy Robson, D-Beloit, announced Thursday that the workers won a major victory in their long battle for severance pay. On Wednesday, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware ruled that the 378 workers do have a legal claim for severance pay, and the State of Wisconsin can continue its case against Joy Global, formerly known as Harnischfeger, the parent company of the now defunct Beloit Corporation.
This ruling came after a 2005 summary judgment from Joy Global, asking the judge to block any further deliberations.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice contends that Joy Global violated state law by intentionally interfering with contractual relationships between Beloit Corporation and the workers when it denied severance pay.
“During this season of joy, this is a very joyous decision by the Court of Delaware,” Robson said Thursday. “Given the amount of money Joy Global has spent on litigation, and given the fact that they're doing so well, I think they'd be better off to just settle and give the employees the money they're due.”
According to a statement from Robson's office, Joy Global reported last week that it expects to take in $2.5 billion in revenue this year. The company makes mining equipment.
The Department of Justice is suing Joy Global for an undisclosed amount. In March 2004, the 378 workers shared a $470,500 settlement from the liquidation trust for Beloit Corporation, which was dissolved after Harnischfeger declared bankruptcy in 1999.
The severance pay that is still owed after deducting what Beloit Corporation paid is roughly $5 million. The state may seek damages and interest on top of that, according to Robson's office.
Dan Morris, a former employee of Beloit Corporation, called the recent ruling great news.
“It's been 8 years. Eight years of people waiting for some justice,” Morris said. “This is good news for all ex-Beloit (Corporation) people. Hopefully Joy Global will come to their senses and say, ‘You know what? Let's just settle this thing.' They're running out of delay tactics.”
Assistant Attorney General Richard Briles Moriarty, whose office is handling the case, is pleased with the ruling.
“There's not much we can say about it at this time, but we're just going to continue to press this thing forward,” Moriarty said.
Robson said Wednesday she's pleased the Department of Justice has held on for this long.
“I have persisted. I have not forgotten,” she said. “The employees have not forgotten, either. This is about injustice. And finally, during this season of peace and justice, we're going to see some justice for the workers of Wisconsin.”
Sen. Judy Robson, D-Beloit, announced Thursday that the workers won a major victory in their long battle for severance pay. On Wednesday, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware ruled that the 378 workers do have a legal claim for severance pay, and the State of Wisconsin can continue its case against Joy Global, formerly known as Harnischfeger, the parent company of the now defunct Beloit Corporation.
This ruling came after a 2005 summary judgment from Joy Global, asking the judge to block any further deliberations.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice contends that Joy Global violated state law by intentionally interfering with contractual relationships between Beloit Corporation and the workers when it denied severance pay.
“During this season of joy, this is a very joyous decision by the Court of Delaware,” Robson said Thursday. “Given the amount of money Joy Global has spent on litigation, and given the fact that they're doing so well, I think they'd be better off to just settle and give the employees the money they're due.”
According to a statement from Robson's office, Joy Global reported last week that it expects to take in $2.5 billion in revenue this year. The company makes mining equipment.
The Department of Justice is suing Joy Global for an undisclosed amount. In March 2004, the 378 workers shared a $470,500 settlement from the liquidation trust for Beloit Corporation, which was dissolved after Harnischfeger declared bankruptcy in 1999.
The severance pay that is still owed after deducting what Beloit Corporation paid is roughly $5 million. The state may seek damages and interest on top of that, according to Robson's office.
Dan Morris, a former employee of Beloit Corporation, called the recent ruling great news.
“It's been 8 years. Eight years of people waiting for some justice,” Morris said. “This is good news for all ex-Beloit (Corporation) people. Hopefully Joy Global will come to their senses and say, ‘You know what? Let's just settle this thing.' They're running out of delay tactics.”
Assistant Attorney General Richard Briles Moriarty, whose office is handling the case, is pleased with the ruling.
“There's not much we can say about it at this time, but we're just going to continue to press this thing forward,” Moriarty said.
Robson said Wednesday she's pleased the Department of Justice has held on for this long.
“I have persisted. I have not forgotten,” she said. “The employees have not forgotten, either. This is about injustice. And finally, during this season of peace and justice, we're going to see some justice for the workers of Wisconsin.”
 |
 |
|
| Another one quits in Turtle | Accused killer returns to face charges |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of beloitdailynews.com.
Submit a Comment
Login below to post your comment. |
Not yet a member? Use the form below to register. |
