Anyone who has watched the news over the past few months is aware that two Boeing 737 Max planes have recently crashed, killing 346 people. What has not gotten the same amount of press is that whistleblowers had come forward about safety issues with these planes starting in August 2018. At issue with the Boeing planes are their anti-stall systems, which are allegedly flawed. The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21 Act) provides protections for whistleblowers reporting concerns about air safety issues, specifically including protections against retaliation.
Are you considering becoming an airline industry whistleblower? You will need the help of an experienced whistleblower attorney who knows the AIR21 Act’s intricacies to file your complaint in a way that results in it being taken seriously and so that it does not result in retaliation against you. Contact Barrett Law now at (800) 707-9577 to attain the advice you need.
The AIR21 Act
The AIR21 Act prohibits retaliation against an employee of a U.S. air carrier, its contractor, or its subcontractor for raising concerns and making a whistleblower claim regarding any law or regulation related to air carrier safety. The AIR Act protects whistleblowers who provide information regarding any alleged violation of federal air carrier safety laws or FAA orders, regulations, or standards. Specifically, the Air Act protects employees who: Disclose a violation of an airline safety regulation to their employer or a federal government entity; Commence a proceeding related to the breach of an airline safety regulation; Testify, assist, or participate in a process related to the violation of an airline safety regulation.
First, it is essential to remember that the AIR21 Act only protects employees of U.S. air carriers, as foreign carriers are not subject to Federal Aviation Administration rules. Second, the Act protects employees from being disciplined, discharged, harassed, threatened, or discriminated against because of their safety allegations. Third, the employee does not have to provide the factual basis underlying the violation they allege but have to enunciate the violation. That means that it is not the employee’s responsibility to investigate or prove up his or her allegation; instead, it is the airline’s responsibility to investigate the complaint once it is made.
What Sort of Damages Can an Airline Employee Receive Under the AIR21 Act?
If you are an employee or contractor for a U.S. air carrier and are retaliated against because of a whistleblower complaint, you are due a wide range of possible compensation, such as all back pay, pay for emotional trauma, compensation for harm done to your reputation, reinstatement in your prior position or an equal amount of pay, and compensation for lost future earnings.
What Should You Do if You are Considering Making a Whistleblower Claim?
As the Boeing 737 Max accidents have shown, there are grave consequences to ignoring complaints from experts within the airline industry. Are you a pilot, executive, or other airline professional considering filing a whistleblower case regarding violations of FAA rules and regulations? You have a right to file your complaint without fear of retribution or retaliation. Careful pleading and an organized approach to gathering evidence are critical to this process and will require the help of an experienced whistleblower counsel. Contact Barrett Law now at (800) 707-9577.
Our seasoned Mississippi Whistleblower Lawyer can provide you with the advice you will need to file a successful whistleblower case. Having expert legal advice by your side can mean the difference between receiving your share of a whistleblower reward and losing your career and livelihood. Call us today.
