Whistleblower Act for Plant and Pipeline Workers
Protections Available for Workers in The Oil, Gas & Energy Industries
It’s no secret that jobs in the oil and gas industry can be extremely dangerous. The heavy equipment, chemicals and the hazards of working with any toxic or flammable material present many potential dangers for oil and gas workers. Like many dangerous industries, workers who report safety violations may face retaliation from their co-workers or employer. However, unlike other dangerous industries, the Federal Government has not yet passed a bill specifically providing whistleblower protection to the oil and gas industry.
There is still whistleblower protection for plant workers, oil and gas workers pipeline workers, and chemicals workers who report dangerous conditions or violations. Contact Robert Landry today to learn how you can protect yourself, your rights, your employment and your income.
What is a Whistleblower? What Protections Are Available?
A whistleblower is simply an employee who reports a wrong-doing by the company. Unfortunately, it’s very common for whistleblowers to experience what is referred to as “retaliation”. Retaliation refers to any effort to punish a worker for making a report or discourage others from filing a report. Retaliation can come in many forms, including but not limited to:
- Being fired / Being laid off
- Having your schedule change for the worse
- Reassignment / Blocked for Promotion / Career Path Derailed
- Discipline
- Harassment / Bullying / Intimidation
- Being Denied Benefits
How Can an Attorney Help With Whistleblower Retaliation?
Every whistleblower case is unique, but there are several possible “remedies” to a situation where a worker is the victim of retaliation. Our goal is to recover any “damages” that you have suffered; different damages require different remedies. Some of the possible outcomes in a whistleblower case include:
- Reward – There are cases where the employer is fined, and the whistleblower is awarded some percentage (between 10% and 30%) of that fine
- Punitive Damages – There are times that damages are paid directly from the employer to the victim of whistleblower retaliation
- Reinstatement – In cases where the oil or gas worker has been terminated or fired, we may be able to get you reinstated in the same job at the same pay.
- Back Pay – In cases where the whistleblower was unable to work as a result of the retaliation, we may be able to get you back pay for missed wages.
Get Started with a Consultation – Over the Phone or In Office
Robert Landry is an experienced employment lawyer who has helped several victims of whistleblower retaliation. He can review your case and then let you know how whistleblower retaliation laws apply to your situation. We understand that workers in the gas and oil industry are not able to easily change jobs and that’s why we are committed to evaluating every possible solution to resolve your case. Contact Robert today to take the first step.