A state employee who was given notice while she was undergoing cancer treatment is suing, alleging she was targeted for being a whistleblower. Heather Burke, who worked in the state General Services Department, is asking for damages for stress and violations of the state's Whistleblower Protection Act and for the Fair Pay for Women Act.
According to Burke, she expressed concern about lapses in digital security and about her pay compared to male colleagues.
She says supervisors then started reducing her duties and income.
Department spokesman Estevan Lujan says the actions taken against Burke "were warranted" but declined further comment.
State officials gave Burke notice in August while she was on medical leave.
But she is still employed by the department.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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