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Six computer experts file complaint over firing by State of Montana

A half-dozen computer experts who lost their jobs on a state Justice Department project are taking legal action, saying the state deceived them about the length and nature of the job.

Six people — four women and two men — filed a complaint Friday with the state seeking damages, a precursor to a likely lawsuit.

They lost their jobs in May after the Justice Department shifted gears on its $22.5 million project to computerize motor-vehicle records, deciding to hand it over to a private company in what became a $15.9 million contract.

“They gave the work they promised to us to the contractor, BearingPoint, without any explanation other than it was a business decision,” said Katherin Clemmence, the lead plaintiff in the case.

The other plaintiffs in the case are Elaine Sinclair, Jan McFarren, Phoebe Williams, Kyle Smith and Michael Arave.

They filed the complaint with the state Risk Management and Tort Defense Division, which has 120 days to accept or reject it. If it’s rejected, the plaintiffs can sue the state in District Court.

Jim Manley, a Polson attorney representing the plaintiffs, said he expects the issue will go to court.

By MIKE DENNISON – IR State Bureau

Full Story: http://helenair.com/articles/2005/12/14/montana/a10121405_02.txt

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