Universal employee fired over gun gets job back

A Universal Orlando employee who was fired after someone stole a gun from his car at work has his job back, his lawyer said Friday.

Dean Kumanchik withdrew the lawsuit he filed against Universal in Orange County Circuit Court last month.

“It was a very good resolution for our client, and Universal took him back to work,” attorney Richard Celler said.

State law allows Floridians with concealed-weapons permits to keep firearms locked in their cars at work, but Orlando’s big theme parks have claimed they don’t have to comply.

Universal cites an exemption for school property as a justification for its ban. Orange County Public Schools runs an alternative program called the Universal Education Center on the property.

Walt Disney World has cited an exemption for property owned by an employer that has a permit for explosives such as fireworks. Both Disney and Uni-

versal prohibit visitors from having guns in their theme parks.

Kumanchik, a licensed concealed-weapons holder, regularly took his gun to and from work and kept it locked in his vehicle. He parked in an area accessible to both employees and the public.

In December, someone broke into his vehicle and stole the gun. He reported it to police. Upon learning what had happened, Universal immediately fired him. He filed suit in February

ride technician who earned more than $30 an hour, Kumanchik had worked at Universal for more than 20 years.

A Universal spokesman said the company does not discuss litigation or employee policies.

Celler said he could not discuss any financial terms of the settlement reached with Universal. Celler said he does not think the theme park resort has changed its policies.

Asked whether Kumanchik is still bringing his gun to work, Celler said, “I didn’t ask and I don’t want to know.”