Fired Transit Director Sues For Discrimination

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Barbara Murdock, who was terminated as Executive Director for the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority last week, has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Directors claiming discrimination based on her gender.

The board voted to terminate Murdock after she had been suspended two months ago for allegedly using BJCTA funds for personal use, including using the BJCTA credit card to pay her personal power bill and receiving checks for $18,000 and $2,000 for "relocation expenses" despite having already serving two years as chief of staff under predecessor, Ann August.

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According to a report by Alabama Media Group, Murdock's suit claims she "was replaced by a (sic) inexperienced and a substantially less-qualified male employee who had never served in an executive role." Murdock was replaced on an interim basis by Christopher Ruffin, who previously served as the agency's head of operations.

Murdock's suit also alleges she "was entitled to oral or written notice of the charges against her," and that "an explanation of her employer's evidence, and an opportunity to present her side of the story before she was suspended and/or discharged."

Murdock is seeking back pay plus interest, reinstatement or front pay in lieu of, as well as unspecified "compensatory, punitive, liquidated and/or normal damages," and attorneys' fees and other expenses.

The allegations are being investigated by the state attorney general's office.

Photo via BJCTA

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