Former Pittsburgh Public Works Operations Coordinator John Barley took his bid to return to his former job to Allegheny County Common Pleas Court yesterday, appealing a Civil Service Commission decision that reversed his June firing but allowed the city to suspend him for a year.

Mr. Barley's firing was closely preceded by a guilty plea to driving under the influence. The commission found no city policy justifying the firing but found an agreement between the city and a union that allowed for suspension from duty while an employee's driver's license is suspended, as Mr. Barley's was.

His appeal argues that the suspension isn't appropriate, because Mr. Barley isn't a member of any union and doesn't have to drive as part of his job. The appeal filing demands payment of back pay since June 19, when the firing occurred.

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