BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – A federal whistleblower investigation has found a railroad company illegally retaliated against and terminated a claims representative who reported an injury, discussed safety concerns with their supervisor and filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor.

The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated a complaint filed by an Enderlin-based employee of Soo Line Railroad Co. who reported an injury they believed was related to dust and chemical exposures during indoor workplace construction. In the months after, the claims representative discussed their safety complaints with their supervisor and co-workers.

While the Federal Railway Safety Act protects a worker’s right to report injuries, to discuss them and file complaints with regulatory agencies, Soo Line later suspended and fired the employee subsequently.

OSHA investigators found Soo Line Railroad violated the claims representative’s federal protections and ordered the company to reinstate the employee, pay them more than $45,000 in back wages and $155,000 in other damages. The railroad must also remove negative reports from the worker’s personnel record.

“Employees must be able to exercise their legal rights regarding workplace safety freely without fear of employer retaliation,” explained OSHA Regional Administrator Jennifer S. Rous in Denver. “Our investigation and actions on this employee’s behalf reflect the U.S. Department of Labor’s determination...

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