What Laws Protect Transportation Industry Whistleblowers?
A number of laws protect transportation industry whistleblowers. These laws make it illegal for an employer to retaliate against a whistleblower with an adverse employment action such as demotion or termination. Remedies for violations of these whistleblower acts may include reinstatement of terminated individuals, back pay, compensatory damages, and in some cases punitive damages.
Federal whistleblower laws for transportation employees include:
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Aviation: The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21)
The whistleblower protections of a federal law called AIR21 apply to all air carriers and their contractors, including manufacturers and maintenance contractors. AIR 21 prohibits retaliation against an employee who complains to a supervisor or government official about issues of airworthiness or air safety, or who assists in an investigation of violations of any federal law or regulation related to air carrier safety.
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Maritime: The Seaman’s Protection Act
The Seaman’s Protection Act protects seamen from retaliation. This includes workers who report safety and regulatory violation to the Coast Guard or a federal agency, cooperate with a safety investigation, or otherwise act in good faith to protect other seamen or the public.
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Public Transit: The National Transit Systems Security Act of 2007 (NTSSA)
The NTSSA covers employees of public transportation agencies and their contractors and subcontractors. Covered agencies generally include metropolitan transit systems such as public subways, buses and trolleys.
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Railroads: The Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA)
The FRSA protects employees, contractors and subcontractors of railroad carriers who blow the whistle on railroad safety concerns or the fraudulent use of federal grants or funds designated for railroad safety or security.
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Trucking: The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA)
The STAA protects employees of commercial motor vehicles, which include vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, vehicles designed to transport ten or more persons (such as school and chartered buses) and hazmat vehicles. Covered employees include drivers, mechanics, freight handlers and all other employees whose activities directly affect commercial vehicle safety and/or security.
Why Hire Katz Banks Kumin For Your Transportation Whistleblower Case?
The attorneys of Katz Banks Kumin have achieved successful outcomes for a variety of transportation employees and contractors who have suffered retaliation after blowing the whistle on safety violations and other illegal conduct by their employers.
If you are considering blowing the whistle on transportation industry misconduct or have already done so and are experiencing retaliation, contact the experienced lawyers at Katz Banks Kumin. Your communications with us are confidential, and without charge or further obligation.