A lawsuit has been filed against the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) by former DOT superintendent John Tassoni, who alleges retaliation for speaking out about issues within the department. The complaint claims Tassoni was penalized for discussing the DOT’s failure to make proper contributions to the Laborers’ union retirement fund, which led to a federal complaint. Governor Daniel J. McKee proposed a budget in 2021 to resolve the issue with a $4.3 million settlement for payroll discrepancies.
Tassoni continued to speak out, claiming the DOT was not following the terms of the settlement agreement and criticizing the department’s treatment of employees. The lawsuit accuses DOT officials of singling out Tassoni, denying him overtime, moving his office without proper equipment, and subjecting him to harassment and discipline.
The lawsuit also alleges that a toxic work environment exists within the DOT, as reported by union officials and corroborated by other employees. Tassoni claims he has suffered severe damages, including lost salary and benefits, humiliation, and emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for Tassoni’s losses and expenses.
The DOT has not commented on the pending litigation, referring inquiries to the Attorney General’s office, which is representing the state in the case. The Attorney General’s office also declined to comment at this time. The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions within the Rhode Island DOT and raises concerns about retaliation and misconduct within the department.
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