Workforce Services sued by employee

A 20-year employee of the state Department of Workforce Services sued the agency Monday, claiming he was demoted in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Lorin Blauer worked as legal counsel for DWS from 1981 to September 2003, when he was demoted to the position of administrative law judge, according to Monday's lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court. Blauer claims the action came after he informed his supervisors of health problems.

Blauer requested that his health problems be accommodated under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the lawsuit states, but the request was denied.

As legal counsel to the agency, Blauer advised and wrote opinions for the Workforce Appeals Board and defended those decisions to the Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court. During his tenure, the suit states, he had a high success rate and had been commended for his exemplary performance.

DWS resources director JoAnne Campbell confirmed Monday that Blauer worked for the agency but was unaware of the lawsuit and declined to comment on the specific allegations.