A former employee had claimed wrongful termination and defamation against Tate & Lyle Solutions. On Sept. 26, Barry Aldred filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County against Tate & Lyle Solutions USA LLC. The lawsuit was later moved to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Oct. 31.
Barry Aldred, represented by Cronauer Law LLP, alleges that his former employer Tate & Lyle Solutions USA LLC wrongfully terminated him in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim following an incident at work. According to court documents, Aldred was exposed to chlorine gas while receiving a delivery at the company's facility on June 25, 2022. This exposure led to significant health issues requiring medical treatment under workers' compensation. Despite these circumstances, Aldred asserts that he was unjustly fired on December 10, 2023, after notifying his employer of his ongoing medical condition and rights under the Workers' Compensation Act.
The plaintiff's complaint outlines two primary causes of action: retaliatory discharge and defamation. In his complaint, Aldred argues that Tate & Lyle's actions violated Illinois common law and specific statutes such as 820 ILCS 305/4(h), which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees exercising their rights under the Workers' Compensation Act. Furthermore, Aldred accuses Tate & Lyle of making false statements about his work abilities to potential future employers between December 2023 and September 2024. These alleged defamatory statements have reportedly hindered his ability to secure new employment.
Aldred seeks judgment against Tate & Lyle Solutions USA LLC in excess of $50,000 for each count—retaliatory discharge and defamation—along with additional relief deemed equitable by the court. The case highlights significant issues regarding workplace safety and employee rights under state labor laws.
Representing Tate & Lyle Solutions USA LLC is attorney Patrick M. DePoy from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. The case has been assigned Case ID: 3:24-cv-50439 and will be presided over by judges in the Northern District of Illinois.