The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21) 49 U.S. C. Section 42121
AIR21 provides that no air carrier or contractor or subcontractor of an air carrier may discharge an employee or otherwise discriminate against an employee with respect to compensation...
May 13, 2011
The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21) 49 U.S. C. Section 42121 is a federal law that provides retaliation protections for employees of commercial air carriers and their contractors or subcontractors, who report alleged violations of federal laws related to aviation safety. AIR21 provides that no air carrier or contractor or subcontractor of an air carrier may discharge an employee or otherwise discriminate against an employee with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, because he or she provided (or caused to be provided) information to the Federal Government or to his or her employer, relating to violations of any order, regulation, or standard of the Federal Aviation Administration or any other provision of Federal Law relating to air carrier safety.Who The AIR21 Applies To
AIR21 also applies to an employee who has filed, caused to be filed or is about to file, a claim; or who has testified or is about to testify, who has assisted or participated or is about to assist or participate in a proceeding related to air safety. An employee who alleges such discrimination has ninety (90) days from the time of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with the U.S. Secretary of Labour.
The legislation provides for significant remedies including damages for lost wages (back and front pay), compensatory damages for emotional distress and loss of reputation, and attorney fees, expert witness fees, and court costs, as well as reinstatement (where feasible).
Contacting a Los Angeles Whistleblower Attorney
In Southern California, there are many commercial air carriers and their contractors and subcontrators (eg, Boeing), whose employees would be covered by these provisions. Please feel free to call us if you believe you have been retaliated against for whistleblowing about matters related to air carrier safety. REMEMBER: The Statute of Limitations on this claim is only 90 days from the date of the alleged discrimination.
Article provided by The Rubin Law Corporation
Visit us at www.stevenrubinlaw.com