The Department of Labor has ordered Washington River Protection Solutions to rehire an employee laid off in 2011 after voicing safety concerns.
The action by the DOL's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will also require the Hanford contractor to pay her $185,949 in lost wages, plus $34,380 in damages and attorney's fees, according to an OSHA release. The agency alleges that WRPS refused to rehire her for a vacant position, despite adequate performance reviews and qualifications, because she had repeatedly raised concerns about safety issues and potential violations related to permitting and record keeping.
Seattle's King 5 news identified her as a 20-year Hanford employee who was working as an environmental compliance specialist. In a statement, WRPS denied her dismissal was retaliatory and said she was among 200 employees laid off in 2011 to accommodate federal funding levels.