Father sues employer after losing job for taking time off for daughter's birth

LUFKIN - A father has filed a lawsuit against his former employer that claims he was fired for taking time off for the birth of his daughter.

Claiming violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act, John Grubbs filed suit against Tractor Supply Co. on May 10 in the Eastern District of Texas, Lufkin Division.

Grubbs went on FMLA leave due to his wife's pregnancy and impending birth of daughter on May 25, 2011. He was scheduled to remain on leave until June 27, 2011.

Tractor Supply terminated Grubbs on June 23, 2011.

According to the lawsuit, immediately prior to this termination, Grubbs was questioned about innocuous events that he did not understand to be significant or in violation of company policy.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for back pay, front pay, lost benefits, liquidated damages, mental pain and anguish, punitive damages, emotional distress, attorney's fees, court costs and interest.

Grubbs is represented by Alex A. Castetter of Stuckey, Garrigan & Castetter in Nacogdoches. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 9:12-cv-00066