Midwest News
Michigan Bank VP Claims He Was Fired For Questioning CEO's Bonus
A banker has sued Citizens Republic Bancorp in Michigan, saying he was fired for questioning a $7.5 million bonus for the company's chief executive on the eve of a federal bailout payment.
John D. Schwab filed a lawsuit in Genesee County Circuit Court in Flint.
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Schwab says then-chief executive William R. Hartman fired him as executive vice president in January after Schwab opposed a four-year contract for Hartman with a $7.5 million bonus.
The suit says Hartman sought the deal in anticipation of the Michigan bank getting $300 million in federal aid.
Bank spokesman Brian J. Smith says the Flint-based bank follows all federal executive pay guidelines and has "strong policies and practices to protect'' its employees.
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