House Acts for Whistle Blowers

The House passed legislation today barring airlines, aircraft manufacturers and other aviation companies from retaliating against employees who complain to the government about safety problems.

The measure prohibits employers from firing or taking other actions against “whistle blowers” who notify government agencies about what they believe are safety problems, or who refuse to allow an aircraft to operate because they believe a hazardous condition exists. The bill’s future is uncertain because there is no similar Senate version.