State Sues Indiana Bell Over Suspending Hurt Workers

The Indiana Department of Labor is suing AT&T’s Indiana operating unit alleging over a policy of suspending workers who report work-related injuries.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports the lawsuit against Indiana Bell Telephone Co. was filed by the state in Marion County on July 24. It alleges three men – Daniel Drummond, Shon Payne and William Ingram – each were suspended one day without pay after filing injury reports, in violation of federal and state laws.

AT&T spokesman Marty Richter says the company doesn’t suspend employees for reporting work-related injuries, but may suspend employees for violating safety rules and policies.

The lawsuit seeks money for lost wages, benefits and expenses, as well as unspecified punitive damages.