United Flight Attendant Who Reported Safety Violations Claims She Was Harassed and Called a Snitch

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires businesses to honor rules aimed at preventing injuries and exposure-related illnesses in their specific type of workplace. It stands to reason that there are few settings where on-the-job safety is more important than in an airplane. However, when a flight attendant with more than 25 years of experience pointed out specific hazards, she says she became the target of harassment and retaliation. 

Ingrid Raganova, 52, filed a lawsuit in New Jersey against United Airlines, claiming that she was demoted and subjected to a hostile work environment because she consistently reported rules violations and problems that posed a danger to crew members and passengers. Some of the specific concerns involved co-workers who wore earbuds and watched videos during flights, and a gate attendant who closed the aircraft door without proper authorization.

Instead of investigating the infractions, Raganova believes that management focused on punishing her for raising these issues. She alleges that her demotion from a management position as international purser back to a standard flight attendant role constituted retaliation for her reports. Her complaint also declares that a co-worker refused to serve her on a flight and that a mass social media posting broadcast to 25,000 United employees referred to her as a “snitch” who likes to tattle on colleagues. Raganova’s lawsuit goes on to mention that she heard comments from other flight attendants about how the airline needed to get rid of “senior mamas,” which could be evidence of age discrimination.  

Whistleblowers who report potential safety violations in their workplace are safeguarded against retaliation under both federal law and New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act. If Raganova can connect her demotion to her reports regarding rule violations, she could be entitled to relief. There might also be a remedy if she experienced severe or pervasive mistreatment based on her age or another legally protected characteristic. 

Don’t risk a serious accident because you’re afraid to rock the boat. Kardell Law Group counsels clients on their rights under all types of whistleblower protection laws, including the OSH Act. We also represent victims of age-related bias and other forms of illegal discrimination.