Former SAG Pension & Health Plan Employee Sues Plan a Second Time

Craig Simmons alleges he was defamed when the Plan told participants that his allegations against the Plan director were false.

This is the second lawsuit filed by Simmons against the Plan. In his first suit, filed in March, he alleged wrongful termination a year earlier, in retaliation for reporting alleged illegal conduct by the organization’s CEO, Bruce Dow.

In response to those allegations, the Plan allegedly issued a letter to Plan members stating that Simmons’ allegations were false. But Simmons says that that statement by the Plan is itself false and defamatory.

A source close to the situation told The Hollywood Reporter that the wrongful termination suit is now in arbitration, as a result of an arbitration clause in Simmons’ employment agreement. The new lawsuit includes a demand for jury trial, and may not be blocked by the arbitration clause.

Christopher Dowdell, CEO of the Plan, told THR “We consider the matter of Mr. Simmons to be closed and will not comment on this or any other legal proceedings initiated by him.”

Read More: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/sag-pension-health-plan-employee-405732