Suit: Hotel wanted to hike rates after Sandy

Oct 16 2013

As it appeared the Connecticut Post

BRIDGEPORT — The former manager of the Holiday Inn on Main Street claims he was fired for refusing to raise room rates for guests seeking shelter from the effects of Superstorm Sandy.

William McGarry, who led the downtown hotel for nearly 20 years, says in a lawsuit filed at state Superior Court in Bridgeport that after Superstorm Sandy struck on Oct. 28, 2012, the hotel’s owners ordered him to raise room rates well above normal and to institute minimum night stays.

“They instructed Mr. McGarry to be sure he was getting top dollar and let him know that he should make money when he can,” the lawsuit states.

When McGarry refused, arguing that the practice would amount to price gouging, he claims he was fired.

“He was fired because he was trying to protect the public already suffering from the effects of the hurricane,” said his lawyer, Joseph Garrison. “We are prepared to try this case if necessary.”

The hurricane left thousands in the area without power for a week, forcing many people to seek temporary shelter.

On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Dale Radcliffe denied a request to throw out the case by the lawyers representing the Trefz Corp., owner of the hotel. The lawyers later declined comment.

According to the lawsuit, McGarry initially worked as a manager for the downtown hotel from 1991 to 2004, when he left for another job.

In 2008, Ernest and Christian Trefz convinced him to come back, telling him they were “all like family,” and he could stay as long as he wanted, the suit states.

Share this Post

Holiday Inn Manager

About the Author

Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti, P.C.

Advocating for Employees
since 1977

Best Lawyers

Let Us Review Your Case

    We will respond to your message promptly. Although we will keep your message strictly confidential, please note that contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

    Client Experiences

    Josh Goodbaum was professional, responsive, and knowledgeable throughout my matter. He explained my options clearly and provided practical advice when I needed it. I really appreciated his straightforward approach and would highly recommend him. — M.B.

    I was very pleased by the work done on my behalf by Meaghan Kirby, an attorney at Garrison Law. She is personable, a great communicator, very responsive, and clearly at the top of her game. She was able to negotiate the best possible outcome for me, and gave me all the possible scenarios if I decided to take action that was not in my best interest. I felt represented and advocated for and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone who is in a dispute with an employer. — L.P.

    If you feel like you're out of your depth, but you know in your gut something that happened at work is just not right, Garrison Law should be your first call. They shoot straight, provide objective interpretation of your situation, and give valuable guidance. We worked with Meaghan Kirby and she was exceptional in her thought process and consideration of our needs. In the end, her recommendation kept us from making the situation worse and resulted in a favorable outcome. Thank you Meaghan and Garrison Law. — C.M.

    You will never meet a more knowledgeable and compassionate professional than Steve Fitzgerald. My employment situation was very complex, and Attorney Fitzgerald kept me focused while remaining extremely adept and “thinking on his feet.” Should the need present itself again, I would never seek anyone else’s counsel regarding employment issues. I cannot recommend him highly enough. — J.R., New Haven, CT

    Nina Pirrotti provided outstanding legal advice and was trustworthy, dependable, and responsive. From the start, I was confident that her knowledge and experience would obtain favorable results. On a more personal note, I enjoyed working with her and her staff and felt I was included in every part of the process. The dedication, concern, and interest in me as a client was greatly appreciated, and Nina has earned my highest recommendation. — J.H., Monroe, CT

    Josh Goodbaum truly outperformed my expectations. He was calm and steadfast throughout the entire process. He is a great communicator. Together, we were able to lay out a plan that in the end, not only got myself the outcome I was hoping for, but undoubtedly saved me valuable time and money as well. I cannot thank Josh and his firm enough for coming through for me in this time of uncertainty and stress.  — D.T.

    When I go to a lawyer for advice, I am usually anxious, particularly the first meeting. Amanda DeMatteis was clear in describing my options and immediately set me at ease. Realistic assessment is important, and Amanda was clear as to how to set up the case and the direction she felt we should go. I had total confidence in her abilities and knew I was being well represented against a large corporation. More importantly, we were successful! — N.M., Haddam, CT

    Advocating for Employees since 1977

    American Law Institute Super Lawyers American College of Trial Lawyers Best Lawyers The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
    Back to Top
    (203) 815-1612