A health and safety manager for General Electric's nuclear power unit, GE Hitachi, has filed a federal whistleblower suit against the company claiming that he was retaliated against for refusing to deviate from federal safety rules. Harry Knight, a 12 year employee, was placed on a performance improvement plan after he declined to make chanages in the plant's alarm procedures because the changes were contrary to federal licensing guidelines that protect the public. Knight also claims that his supervisory responsibilities were removed and that he has been continually punished for the past three years by not getting a raise.
Source: Wilmington Star-News
Mr. Knight's case presents a familiar scenario. First, he took a stand to follow the federal licensing guidelines, which are intended to protect the public not the convenience of the plant managers. Second, after 12 years of employment, he suddenly was no longer fit to supervise employees and had to be placed on a performance improvement plan, which often is a prelude to termination and loaded with unrealistic if not impossible requirements. Third, before going to court, he filed a complaint with OSHA on which nothing was done for three years, while Mr. Knight dangled in the wind.
