Alaska Employment Law

Joe van Treeck worked for Matanuska Maid from 1985 until July 2007, the last 21 years as CEO and COO.  Last summer he either resigned or was fired by the new Creamery Board appointed by Gov. Sarah Palin.  Stories about the controversy appeared at the time in the Anchorage Daily News and, more recently, in the September 16th Wall Street Journal (sub. req’d). 

Van Treeck filed a lawsuit over his departure and his pay in November of 2007.  Van Treeck v. The Creamery Board, 3AN-07-11347 CI.   He contends that his employment contract automatically renewed for an addtional year, until June 30, 2008.  Among multiple claims is a claim that withholding of benefits states a violation of AS 23.05.140, Alaska’s waiting time penalty statute.  The Board has counterclaimed against van Treeck for breach of contract and of fiduciary duty.

The assigned Superior Court judge is Sharon Gleason.  Van Treeck has moved to dismiss the counterclaim. 

Here are the relevant pleadings.

Complaint

Answer & Counterclaim

Answer to Counterclaim

John Havelock represents plaintiff van Treeck; Jon Givens of Bankston Gronning O’Hara represents the defendant employer.