From the Office of Senator Kerry

Wednesday, March 17, 1999

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senators John F. Kerry (D-MA) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) today introduced legislation that would substantially increase overall safety of the airline industry by providing whistleblower protection for airline employees who report safety violations.

"When you climb aboard a plane you might have to worry about airline food, but you shouldn't have to worry about airline safety. Workers should not have to choose between keeping their job, and keeping their passengers safe. This bill would protect employees who step forward and report safety violations."

Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) properly protects both private and federal government employees who report health and safety violations from reprisal by their employers. Because of a loophole, however, aviation employees are not covered by these protections. Aviation employees face the possibility of harassment, negative disciplinary action, and even termination if they report violations.

Last year, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed a similar Kerry amendment that was support by major airlines, employee labor groups and the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security.

The Kerry legislation provides workers who experience company reprisal for whistleblower activities with a Department of Labor complaint procedure.

An identical bipartisan bill was recently introduced in the House by Representatives Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and James Clyburn (D-SC).

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