Sturgis employer sued over ARNG service

STURGIS, Mich. (AP) - The government is accusing a southwestern Michigan factory of breaking the law by failing to reinstate a member of the Army National Guard.

Americraft Carton wanted David Sweatt to sign an agreement acknowledging it would not grant future leave for voluntary military service, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court in Grand Rapids.

Sweatt, 26, of Sturgis refused to sign in May 2008, a month after returning from volunteer work on the U.S.-Mexico border, the U.S. Justice Department said. He's now in Iraq.

The company, however, disputes the allegations and expressed surprise at the lawsuit.

"I thought this was resolved," said Eric Hansen, who manages the packaging factory. "I don't even know how to communicate this strongly: Americraft has employees who are in the service and we proudly support them.

"David Sweatt is a fine individual," Hansen said. "Absolutely, I want David back."

Hansen said he doesn't know anything about Sweatt being asked to sign an agreement restricting future leave.

After getting a job at Americraft in 2007, Sweatt was away for military training and security work on the border.

In 2008, after his return to Michigan, Sweatt was told he could resume his job, but he didn't show up for a week, Hansen said.

Americraft and the union that represents employees negotiated an agreement to bring back Sweatt, Hansen said.

"He wanted back pay on the unexcused absences. That was one of the issues," Hansen said. "We will be vindicated."