On the Long Island Rail Road!
On July 20, 2023, federal Administrative Law Judge Scott R. Morris found that the MTA Long Island Rail Road Company (LIRR) had once again retaliated against whistleblower Anthony Inganamorte who had reported unsafe rail conditions that could lead to derailments. But this was not the first time the Rail Road management had retaliated.
In 2017, Anthony Inganamorte filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that the MTA Long Island Railroad Company had disqualified him from the Foreman position in retaliation for his reports of unsafe rail conditions and wage theft. The LIRR’s complacency towards safety has led directly to train derailments. Thanks to his attorney, Lee Seham, and truth on his side, Anthony's litigation ended successfully with a decision by federal Administrative Law Judge Jonathan C. Calianos, on August 11, 2020, ordering the LIRR to reinstate him to the foreman position.
And then they retaliated again!
This time it was Judge Morris who found that the LIRR had subjected him to the adverse action of GPS surveillance on the “exact date” that he returned to the foreman position. Using particularly harsh language, Judge Morris asserted that the LIRR’s “contumacious conduct raised at least the specter of spoliation,” or the intentional destruction of evidence.
Judge Morris also held the railroad’s law firm responsible for engaging in motion practice that he characterized as “gamesmanship.” As attorney Lee Seham stated, “If you have nothing to hide, there is no need to withhold and/or destroy evidence. It is obvious that the LIRR has a lot to hide.”
I've had the opportunity to meet Anthony and discuss his case. His entire focus was on passenger safety. I wholeheartedly agree with Lee when he says Anthony is, "A man of unparalleled integrity. To take adverse action against someone who makes safety his number one priority is unspeakable, particularly when the LIRR appears to turn a blind eye to individuals who violate these same safety standards.”
Congratulations Anthony!
This has been a long fight.
And you deserved this win.
Please join me and congratulate
Anthony and Lee on finding justice!
Unless you've walked in those shoes, it's difficult to understand the pain and suffering that people undergo as the result of attempting to improve safety when the company wants you silenced. I understand. Anthony understands. As do many others.
On September 7th I will be the keynote speaker at the Workplace Promise Institute conference. Please join me in Washington D.C. or by live-stream, to share the vision of a safe place to work. "Culture change happens when energized personnel – across organizations, communities, and governments make healthy and informed decisions in the workplace." The Workplace Promise Institute is the education center for Whistleblowers of America. I hope you can join us.
Enjoy the Journey
Dr. Karlene Petitt
PhD. MBA. MHS.
A350, B777, A330, B747-400, B747-200, B767, B757, B737, B727
Dr. Karlene Petitt
PhD. MBA. MHS.
A350, B777, A330, B747-400, B747-200, B767, B757, B737, B727
