OSHA orders Scottsdale air charter firm to pay whistleblower $94,000

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=8220770&nav=menu216_3

Associated Press - April 24, 2008 11:34 AM ET

PHOENIX (AP) - A Scottsdale air charter company has been ordered to pay $94,000 to an employee who was fired after raising flight safety concerns.

The order issued against West Jet Aircraft by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was announced Thursday. The money is for back wages, damages and legal and medical fees.

According to OSHA, the unidentified ex-employee was fired for preparing a complaint to the Federal Aviation Administration about suspected violations of flight safety standards by West Jet. They investigated under federal whistleblower statutes.

OSHA says the employee had repeatedly told West Jet officials about suspected violations of federal aviation rules.

Calls to West Jet seeking comment Thursday weren't immediately returned.