A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency research scientist has filed a whistleblower complaint against the agency and several managers, saying they have harassed her for raising concerns about troublesome chemicals used by 3M Co. in such popular consumer products as Scotchgard.
In recent weeks, she said, the MPCA reprimanded her for remarks she made in an agency-approved interview with Minnesota Public Radio. She said the agency now contends her remarks lacked proper "disclaimers," misstated the agency position and "dishonored the hard work" of colleagues. In addition, she said the MPCA has prohibited her from providing information sought by members of the Minnesota Legislature.
"Any employee who discloses pollution threats is protected by law from shoot-the-messenger retaliation by her agency,'' said Rockford Chrastil, a Minneapolis lawyer representing Oliaei.
Oliaei alleges that Corrigan, a former 3M executive, told her there is no room in the agency for "scientific work." She also said Hora told her if she kept pushing the PFC issue, "I will terminate the program and you are the only one in the program." And she said Hoff, her supervisor, recently asked, "Why are you still here? If you really want to be effective, you better get a job somewhere else."
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/11663566.htm
Posted by Dave at May 17, 2005 03:16 PM