The federal agency that investigates government whistleblower complaints has upheld allegations that the Department of Agriculture long allowed unsafe work conditions at its research facility in Beltsville, Maryland.
In a letter to President Donald Trump, the Office of Special Counsel recommended whistleblower payments to USDA employees who complained in 2023 of conditions including excessive dirt and grime, peeling paint, mold, and lack of drinkable water.
Then-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed the complaints after an internal investigation by diverting $50 million from new building construction to fixing the issues at the Beltsville facility. Employees credited the USDA with responding to the troubles and making a start on improving the conditions, according to the OSC letter.
The three employees who together reported the conditions had leadership roles with the American Federation of Government Employees, a labor union representing USDA workers. They’d complained that facility managers allowed conditions to deteriorate since 2017.
