Alaska Employment Law

The Alaska Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in two employment-releated cases.

Miller v. Safeway, Inc., S-12331: 

Safeway terminated Miller’s employment in 2001 because Miller failed to comply with Safeway’s grooming code regarding hair, beards and mustaches. This is Miller’s second visit to the Supreme Court. The present appeal questions whether Safeway’s lack of documentation supporting the rationality of the code means it violated the covenant of good faith and fair dealing in its dealings with Miller.

Oral argument was May 15, 2007. 

John Havelock represents the plaintiff employee.   Cynthia Ducey of Delaney Wiles represents Safeway.   Charles Huguelet was the trial judge.  The first appeal is reported at 102 P.3d 282 (Alaska 2004).

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Glover v. State, Dept. of Transportation, AMHS, S-12220, S-12329:

This appeal raises constitutional issues about a state law that provides workers’ compensation remedies for maritime workers employed by the state, and takes away their ability to sue the state for on-the-job injuries. It also presents a question about the award of attorneys fees to the state as a prevailing party in the trial court.

The court heard argument on May 16, 2007. 

James Jacobsen of Beard Stacey (Seattle) represents plaintiff.   Susan Cox of the AG’s office represents the State.   Patricia Collins was the trial judge.