Patterson v. State, Department of Agriculture

RABINOWITZ, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

William Patterson initially sued Matanuska Maid and its agents (Mat-Maid) for defamation. Patterson then filed a second lawsuit against the State of Alaska, Department of Agriculture (State) and Mat-Maid for wrongful termination. Patterson now appeals from the superior court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the State and Mat-Maid on both claims.

II. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Patterson had been employed by Mat-Maid for seven and one-half years, during which time the company came under new management. Mat-Maid had experienced financial difficulties, and the…