Armstrong Calls Denise Bachler

November 15, 2010

Bachler has been a WSI employee for 17 years.  Long was her supervisor from June 2005 through November 2007. 

When asked whether Long's attitude changed after Halvorson was appointed interim CEO, she said she only noticed slight agitation the day Halvorson was appointed. 

She described the relationship between Long and Peltz as giddy, flirtatious, and unprofessional.  She recalled times when she was to have a Friday morning meeting with Long, but he would be with Peltz and she would have to wait 5 or 10 minutes and he would not recognize she was there. 

She remembers Long came out from behind his desk one day wearing no socks or shoes.  He explained how he had a pedicure and how good that felt.  She said that made her uncomfortable.  Bachler said she felt threatened by Long because he said to her, "I know you're friends with Sonja Nallie.  I don't want you to think I'd do or say anything because of that."

Plaintiff attorney Tuntland then took over the questioning.  He asked whether Billie initiated flirtations with Jim and she said yes. 

He asked whether Long seemed ashamed of having had a pedicure.  She said he did not.  As to whether Long had recommended a pedicure to her, she did not recall. 

Tuntland asked about Long's remark about Nallie and said on the face of it Long was trying to make her feel comfortable.  She said she didn't take it that way.  Tuntland asked what exactly did he say.  She said, "I know you're friends with Sonja Nallie.  I don't want you to think I'd do or say anything because of that."  Tuntland asked whether Long ever threatened to fire her.  She said not specifically.