Whistleblower Cases

Motion to compel arbitration motion to stay proceedings pending arbitration R.C. 2711.02(B) R.C. 2711.03(A) arbitrability tort and statutory claims waiver. Trial court did not err in granting appellees' motion to compel arbitration and to stay proceedings pending arbitration. Based on the language of the arbitration provision and the factual allegations of appellant's complaint, appellant's claims for tortious interference with contract, unfair competition, violation of the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act and breach of loyalty against its former employees were within the scope of arbitration provision. Appellant waived the issue of whether it had the right to bring a court action for preliminary injunctive relief where it did not mention the injunctive relief provision in its filings below and never otherwise pursued its request for preliminary injunctive relief below. Trial court's judgment modified to clarify that it was only parties to the arbitration agreement who were compelled to arbitrate their claims.

Trial court erred in affirming SPBR decision dismissing employee's appeal under R.C. 124.341 for lack of jurisdiction. SPBR improperly imposed requirements not contained in statute, maintaining that whistleblower protection is not available where supervisor is already aware of violation and where employee is required by employer to report misconduct. SPBR also improperly determined that R.C. 124.341 is inapplicable where violation alleged is attorney misconduct under Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.

After the dismissal of his federal action, plaintiff filed a state court action alleging a violation of the Public Employee Political Freedom Act. The defendant city thereafter filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that because plaintiff's action was against a state entity, plaintiff could not rely on the saving statute, Tennessee Code Annotated section 28-1-115. The trial court denied the motion to dismiss but granted an interlocutory appeal. We granted the application for interlocutory appeal and now reverse the decision of the trial court.