Lawsuit filed against company that fired man who pointed out asbestos shortcomings.
Albany-based Champagne Demolition will have little reason to celebrate this week after a lawsuit was filed against it over the dismissal of one of its workers.
According to the US Department of Labor, the company allegedly fired the man for reporting improper asbestos removal practices while working at Gloversville High School.
According to a news release from the department, the defendants – Albany-based demolition and construction disposal contractor Champagne Demolition, and manager Joseph Champagne – discriminated against the employee by conducting retaliatory acts in violation of Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
“All employees have the right to report potential safety and health hazards to their employers and to proper authorities without fear of harassment, termination or other retaliation,” said Robert Kulick in the press release, OSHA’s regional administrator in New York. “Such behavior can intimidate workers into silence, putting them at risk if they are afraid to report conditions that can injure or sicken them. That is unacceptable, and the Labor Department will take all necessary legal steps on behalf of whistleblowing workers.”
According to the lawsuit, an employee – Donald Miles – informed company management of the incorrect practices.
As a result, the lawsuit said, the next day Miles was fired and subjected to verbal threats and legal action.
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