The union for state and public workers is calling for the resignation of the recently reinstated head of the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC).
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 61 President Danny Homan issued a statement Tuesday urging Larry Kay to step down as MVC executive director.
"We appeal to Gov. Nixon to join with AFSCME in calling for Larry Kay to resign," Homan said. "Missouri veterans and their families deserve an intervention in the preposterous decision made by the veterans commission to allow Larry Kay to return."
On Aug. 8, the commission voted 7-1 to reinstate Kay, who had been on paid leave since July 26, after a Cole County jury awarded former MVC employee Pat Row Kerr damages in her harassment suit against Kay and the commission.
Kerr was dismissed in November 2009 and sued the state agency in July 2011, claiming discrimination and harassment over her dismissal. The jurors awarded Kerr $1.3 million in actual damages and $1,575,000 in punitive damages, for a total of $2.875 million.
"A slap on the wrist for firing an employee on the basis of gender and age is dishonorable to the men and women who have served our country," Homan said. "Mr. Kay's low ethical standards are also a disservice to the employees of the commission who provide essential services to our veterans. Discrimination or harassment in any form is rightfully prohibited by state employees, as outlined in their Code of Conduct, but is apparently tolerable when displayed by management."
Homan commended state Sen. Scott Sifton, the only Veterans Commission member who called for Kay to step down and voted against his reinstatement.
"As we stated last week, we are still under litigation, and we'll continue to monitor the legal proceedings," MVC spokesman Daniel Bell said.