School District Ordered To Pay Janitor In Whistleblower Case
DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) - A Detroit-area public school district has been ordered to pay a janitor $193,000 after whistleblower provisions under the federal Clean Air Act were violated when she complained about asbestos exposure.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it determined the worker should receive back wages, damages and other compensation.
It says she complained in 2012 about exposure to asbestos while cleaning school floor tiles. She suffered layoffs, extra work and was passed over for raises. She also was reprimanded after filing complaints with state and federal officials.
Theresa Ely tells the Detroit Free Press she's been vindicated by OSHA's ruling.
The newspaper says Dearborn Heights District No. 7 Superintendent John Fazer did not immediately return a call and email seeking comment.
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