Turnpike agency to pay ex-worker $3.2M
HARRISBURG (AP) – A judge has ordered the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to pay a former worker more than $3 million after finding he was wrongly fired in retaliation for blowing the whistle on agency practices.
Ralph Bailets sued the turnpike commission and two of its officials over his 2008 termination. He said he was dismissed for questioning a major computer contract, hiring practices and how large trucking firms qualify for E-ZPass discounts.
Prosecutors in 2013 used his testimony to file corruption charges against several agency officials.
The judge ruled in June that Bailets was wrongly terminated. PennLive.com reports the judge ruled Thursday Bailets should receive $3.2 million in lost pay and other damages.
Bailets said he’s waiting to see if the agency will appeal.
Turnpike officials declined to comment.