Labor Department seeking punitive damages against Menards in firing of Sioux Falls employee

Retailer falsely accused employee of stealing after OSHA violation, complaint alleges

The U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit against the parent company of Menards after a Sioux Falls employee was fired for filing a safety complaint with the federal government.

The Labor Department alleges that Menards falsely accused Thomas Madigan of stealing a knife sharpener to justify his termination. The government is seeking punitive damages against the home improvement retailer, which operates 350 stores.

Menards did not respond to a message left at its Eua Claire, Wis. headquarters on June 30.

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