Rule Whistle-Blower Statute Applies To Transit Staff Beyond Terrorist Cases

A longtime New York City Transit Track Worker, who complained about unsafe work conditions at a Brooklyn facility, has won a landmark administrative-law decision that for the first time affirms Federal whistleblower protection for all of the authority’s employees wherever they work.

Federal Administrative Law Judge Adele Higgins Odegard ruled that Jana­than Harte, 49, of Brooklyn, was entitled to $1,656 to compensate him for six days of wages he lost pursuing his retaliation claim against NYC Transit and close to $70,000 to cover his attorney’s fees.