Blowing whistle on train brake failures got BNSF worker fired, lawsuit claims
The Ex-BNSF employee also alleges his testimony in a coworker s injury lawsuit played a role in his termination. 12:00 am, Dec. 13, 2020 ×
BNSF freight train runs North through Buxton Wednesday afternoon. Jesse Trelstad/ Grand Forks Herald
BISMARCK An ex-BNSF Railway worker claims he was fired because he blew the whistle on emergency brake failures for coal trains in North Dakota and testified a coworker was injured on the job due to hazardous conditions.
Michael Fink of Bismarck is asking in a federal lawsuit for back pay, lost wages and benefits, damages for emotional distress, and other relief after the railway company let him go last year. He also wants his job back and up to $250,000 in punitive damages, according to the civil complaint filed Dec. 4 in North Dakota’s U.S. District Court against BNSF.