Sen. Ron Wyden of the United States of America is conducting an investigation into the recent dismissal of a whistleblower from a nuclear power facility. The employee who blew the whistle had been employed for UBS Corporation for more than 44 years. He was working at a nuclear plant on the west coast of the United States. On the subject of the facts behind the termination, Senator Wyden issued a letter to the Secretary of Energy detailing the situation. On the other hand, he indicated in the letter that there has not been a significant amount of progress made in terms of the protection of whistleblowers at nuclear and other sites. Problems have been raised by the senator over the possibility of retaliation being taken against those who report safety concerns. Whistleblower lawyers in California are likewise worried about the possibility of reprisal against whistleblowers. It has been reported by URS that the whistleblower was terminated owing to issues over the budget. According to a statement made by a representative of the firm, URS has decreased its employment in recent months owing to financial restrictions. However, the representative added that he would not comment on particular things. The representative continued by stating that URS encourages its workers to voice any issues they may have about safety, and that the firm places a high focus on safety. The lawyers who represent whistleblowers in the state of California argue that retribution against whistleblowers is problematic because workers who have safety concerns will be reluctant to come forward. In this particular instance, the individual who blew the whistle expressed concerns about the safety of procedures at a waste treatment facility. The institution was under his management at the time. For decades, the plant was responsible for the production of plutonium for use in nuclear bombs. Today, it is home to the greatest radioactive waste piles in the country. The waste treatment facility should be able to transform garbage into glass so that it may be stored for an extended period of time. His removal from his role as construction manager came about as a result of his participation in the safety issues. However, he remained to work with UBS despite being demoted from his previous position. In his complaint, the whistleblower said that he was forced to work in a cubicle in the basement, where he was not given any useful task to do. As a result of the safety issues that he brought up, the whistleblower claims that he was subjected to retaliation and that he was fired from his post. Advocates for whistleblowers in the state of California warn the general public that retribution against whistleblowers is still occurring, despite the fact that it is against the law. Senator Wyden has brought to light the fact that in order for URS to give severance compensation, the whistleblower in this particular instance was required to sign a contract that released the company from any possibility of culpability. In the absence of a trial, lawsuits that were brought against URS and the United States Department of Energy were dropped. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear an appeal in this case on November 7, 2013. The appeal is for this particular case. Cases involving whistleblowers and false claims, consumer fraud class actions, insurance and banking fraud, consumer product liability, elder abuse, and personal injury are among the areas of practice that Evans Law Firm, Inc. assists with. If you believe that you have been a victim of financial fraud committed by an insurance company, bank, or person, then you should call Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669 for a consultation that is both free and private, or you can send an email to info@evanslaw.com.