A St. Clair County man is suing an automotive shop he says fired him for being a whistle blower.
Tracy Madlock filed the lawsuit against Drake Automotive Inc. on Jan. 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
According to the complaint, Madlock began working for Drake Automotive as a car detailer in 2007. He says in July 2010, while detailing a car, he was exposed to hazardous chemicals and asked to open a bay door to alleviate that exposure. Madlock alleges his request was denied.
Madlock says he notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the violation, prompting an OSHA inspection of the automotive shop. Madlock says his employer asked him about the complaint and then told him to find another job.
Records show OSHA issued Drake Automotive a citation and fined the business in August 2010. Madlock says he was fired that same day.
Madlock accuses Drake Automotive of retaliatory discharge. He is asking for an unspecified amount of money in damages to compensate for lost wages and court costs.
Attorney Kenneth J. Brennan of Collinsville is representing Madlock.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-0031
Whistleblower sues former employer
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