As a transportation worker, safety is your number one priority. No one should be punished for standing up for the safety of the public and their co-workers.
What Laws Protect Transportation Industry Whistleblowers?
From aviation to railroads to trucking, the nation depends on transportation employees who blow the whistle on safety violations and other misconduct by employers in the transportation industry.
A number of laws protect transportation industry whistleblowers. These laws, listed below, make it illegal for an employer to retaliate against a whistleblower with an adverse employment action such as demotion or termination.
- 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.
Click here to learn more about AIR21 whistleblower protections.
- 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.
Click here to learn more about NTSSA whistleblower protections. - 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.
Click here to learn more about FRSA whistleblower protections. - 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.
Click here to learn more about STAA whistleblower protections.
Remedies for violations of these whistleblower acts may include reinstatement of terminated individuals, back pay, compensatory damages, and in some cases punitive damages.
Why Hire KMB For Your Transportation Whistleblower Case?
The attorneys of Katz, Marshall & Banks 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, Marshall & Banks, LLP. Your communications with us are confidential, and without charge or further obligation.
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"Without KMB's absolutely top-drawer representation, I believe I would have been fired; instead, I continue with the FAA. I highly recommend KMB to others who may find themselves in harm’s way."
-- Christopher Monteleon, FAA Safety Inspector