Truck driver sues after losing job for serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom

A Louisiana truck driver, who was activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom, has filed a lawsuit against his employer after he was terminated for fulfilling his military service.

Claiming violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Joseph Yargo filed suit against UV Logistics on June 10 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the lawsuit, Yargo started working for the defendant in early to mid-2007 as a truck driver. He was activated in Operation Iraqi Freedom effective August 2009, the suit states. Yargo states that a superior made the "arbitrary decision" to terminate Yargo's employment effective March 23, 2010 despite her protests. He returned from uniformed service on July 23, 2010 and was released in August 2010.

The defendant is accused of violating the act by terminating Yago's employment immediately upon receiving notice that he needed to leave to fulfill his military obligations.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for loss of income, loss of earnings and benefits, reinstatement, attorney's fees, interest and court costs.

Yargo is represented by Covington attorney Dale E. Williams. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01380