FMCSA, OSHA work to combat retaliation against drivers

   The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has linked up with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect drivers who report safety or other concerns from employer retaliation.
   According to a press release, the memorandum of understanding signed by the two agencies “allows for the exchange of safety, coercion and retaliation allegations, when received by one agency, that fall under the authority of the other.” Rules regarding anti retaliation are put forth under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act.
   “Pressuring drivers to stay behind the wheel beyond their hours-of-service limits, or to disregard other federal safety rules, seriously jeopardizes the safety of every traveler on our highways and roads,” FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro said in a statement. “Commercial truck and bus companies that knowingly endanger the motoring public, or retaliate against whistleblowing employees, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”