The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) requested a 30-day extension of the deadline for submitting comments, citing the need for additional time to "evaluate the complex history of federal whistleblower laws." The original deadline for comments was May 31.
OSHA's interim final rule will protect airline employees against retaliation by air carriers, their contractors, or subsidiaries for providing information to authorities on air carrier safety violations. The rule explains requirements for filing complaints and provides investigation and due process procedures.
"Providing an environment for employee complaints, free of retaliation, is critical for workplace safety and health," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "By extending this comment period, organizations and individuals will have the appropriate amount of time to submit comments on an important issue."
Written comments, postmarked not later than June 30, can be submitted to Docket C-07, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3618, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20210. Comments of 10 pages or fewer may be faxed to (202) 693-1861.