A Louisiana company is one of two companies settling a lawsuit for allegedly firing a crane operator who made safety and health complaints. The United States Department of Labor reported that the worker told MMR Contractors of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Fluor Corp., of Greenville, South Carolina, that a crane lift was unsafe at a worksite in Franklin, Texas. MMR Contractors was the worker’s employer, and Fluor Corp. was the general contractor.
The worker held a certification to perform a number of construction duties, including crane operation. The Labor Department does not release employee names in whistleblower cases.
MMR Contractors allegedly fired the worker after Fluor Corp. told it to do so. Both companies cited disruptive behavior as the reason for the worker’s termination. Under the settlement, both companies will pay $17,500 in back wages, remove any mention of firing from his personnel file and provide neutral employment references. In addition, the companies agreed not to unlawfully retaliate against any other worker.
Employees have a right to be free from retaliation after filing a complaint against an employer. If you feel you are the victim of employer retaliation, contact a New Orleans injury lawyer. A skilled New Orleans injury attorney can offer a free and informative case evaluation of your employee rights claim.