Quote:

Seattle Times
U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle disagreed and set a trial date for Sept. 17, although it is likely that will be delayed. In the meantime, both sides will proceed with discovery and depositions.
“It is clear that railroad employees such as plaintiff have important rights and duties under public policy that are protected independently of the [collective-bargaining agreements governing] their labor relations,” Settle wrote.

“For instance, [the law] expressly provides a cause of action for railroad employees who suffer retaliation for reporting railroad hazards and misconduct by railroad carriers,” the judge said.

[www.seattletimes.com]