Labor Department files lawsuit on behalf of welder it says was fired for complaining about safety violations
Parkston company tried to demote employee before termination, complaint alleges
The United States Department of Labor is suing a Parkston, South Dakota company, accusing it of firing an employee who complained about safety concerns.
The Labor Department is demanding that TrailManor be compelled to restore the employment of Christian Napton to his former position, as well as provide him back pay, front pay and “compensatory damages, and emotional distress damages.” The named plaintiff in the suit is Julie Su, the acting secretary of labor.
Napton worked for the company making recreational trailers from July 18, 2023 to Dec. 5, 2023 as a laborer and production lead. His job included welding trailer axles to the frame chassis. He also constructed the frames of pop-up campers, operating forklifts and training new employees.
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