AT&T employee sues after losing job for failing to follow corporate policy

In a recently filed lawsuit, an AT&T employee claims he was told by his supervisors to violate corporate policy but when he acted as told he was fired from his position.

George J. Bates filed suit against AT&T Corp. and SBC Internet Services Inc. on March 28 in Terrebonne Parish District Court. The defendants removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on April 25.

Bates, a premises technician, claims that during his employment he was told by his supervisors to violate AT&T Corporation policy and standard operating procedures and to cut corners to complete jobs more quickly.

Bates claims he relied on his supervisor's promises in accepting and performing his job but he was terminated in March 2010.

The defendants are accused of negligence in failing to provide adequate training and supervision, failing to follow its own guidelines, provisions, training and standard operating procedures, hiring supervisors who provided inadequate training and instruction to employees and for hiring supervisors who ordered, advised or instructed employees to violate company policies, procedures, guidelines or standard operating procedures.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for loss of income, loss of reputation, difficulty obtaining future jobs, loss of future income, mental and emotional anguish and trauma, interest and attorney's fees.

Bates is represented by Todd A. Hebert of The Hebert Law Firm in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00975