Beleaguered Metro-North was slapped with fines from the US Department of Labor for giving written warnings to seven workers for calling in sick after doctors asked them to stay home.
Five motormen, an electrician and a foreman who worked in Stamford and New Haven were chastised with notices in their work files, according to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration spokesman.
The railroad was ordered to pay $1,000 in damages to each worker, as well as cover their attorney costs.
New Metro-North President Joseph Giulietti created a new procedure in April that would protect workers from discipline if they are absent for medical reasons.
“Metro-North’s policy provides zero tolerance for disciplining employees for absences pursuant to a treating physician’s instruction,” said a spokesman.