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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Estelle Kohn (202) 342-1903

First Training Seminar Covering Whistleblower Rights Under the Newly Enacted Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008

Protections Expanded to Workers Who Expose Safety Defects in Imported Consumer Products and Violations of the Consumer Products Safety Act and the Hazardous Substances Acts

WASHINGTON

The
National Whistleblower Center is sponsoring the first training seminar
covering the newly enacted whistleblower protection provisions of the
Consumer Product Safety Act
of 2008. The new law contains groundbreaking whistleblower protections
covering millions of workers employed in the manufacture, distribution,
and sale of consumer goods. The Act contains
strong pro-employee provisions, including the right to a trial by jury,
compensatory damages and attorney's fees and costs. The
all-day seminars are being held in the Taft Room at the Willard
International Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. on
November 21, 2008.

The
new law protects workers who blow the whistle on safety problems in
over 15,000 different types of consumer products, including Asbestos,
benzene, bicycle helmets, blasting caps, carpets and rugs, caustic or
corrosive substances, flammable products, fabrics, fireworks,
gasoline, toxic substances, imported
consumer products, lead paint, and toys. The protections extend beyond
the Consumer Products Safety Act, an include disclosures concerning
violations of the Federal Hazardous
Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, and the Poison Prevention
Packaging Act.

This
is the first seminar specifically designed to train whistleblowers and
their advocates in the mechanics of the Act, and how this law would
protect workers who blow the whistle on toxic toys and other dangerous
consumer products. Commencing at 9 a.m., the program consists of four
seminars covering all aspects of the new law. It is designed to assist
workers and their lawyers in effectively presenting claims. CLE credit
is available to attorneys.

To review the full program and faculty click here.
A registration fee of $495.00 is required, but scholarships are
available. Whistleblowers, students, community activists, and members
of the press who wish to attend should contact Estelle S. Kohn at
202-342-1903 or email her at ek@whistleblowers.org

Since 1988, the NWC and attorneys associated with it have supported whistleblowers in the courts and before Congress and achieved victories for environmental protection, government contract fraud, nuclear safety and government and corporate accountability.