MassGOP

Carnevale Missteps: Gag Order, Then’ Improper’ Firing: MassGOP Former Employees File for Damages

by Lonnie Brennan

WOBURN, Mass. (3/15/2023) – Former employees of the Massachusetts Republican Party have filed separate civil actions against the Party for unpaid wages/benefits and/or inappropriate dismissals.

Former Executive Assistant Elizabeth Groot, along with all MassGOP employees were slapped with a pre-planned, pre-printed gag order by newly elected chair Amy Carnevale moments after Carnevale took the reins the night of the MassGOP chair election in January. (Carnevale took 37 votes to Jim Lyons’ 34 according to the official tally). Groot, within 48 hours, was terminated.

According to multiple filings in Woburn District Court, Carnevale and the MassGOP failed to provide Groot with her owed/accrued pay and vacation time per contract and in direct conflict with Massachusetts Wage Act (M.G.L. ch. 149, § 150).

MassGOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale

According to statements “of damages filed by Plaintiff,” contract actions for damages of “more than $25,000” have been filed on behalf of both Groot and former chairman Jim Lyons. (Dist./Mun.Cts.Supp.R.Civ.P. 102A), individually, for a total well in excess of $50,000 for the two former employees.

According to the preliminary information available from the court, the Massachusetts Republican Party – the defendant – could be charged with treble damages for the mishandling of required and timely payments to both Groot and Lyons, consistent with the April 4, 2022, Reuter v. City of Methuen, decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC).

 

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