Trial News

Johnny Taylor, 51, worked as a track maintenance manager for Union Pacific Railroad Co. His job required him to maintain and inspect railroad tracks and ensure strict compliance with the standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). After an FRA inspection revealed numerous defects at a Union Pacific subdivision, Taylor was instructed to write up these defects. His supervisor later threatened to terminate him if he reported any additional safety issues. Nevertheless, derailments and safety issues led Taylor to take tracks out of service for unsafe conditions. He was accused of being quarrelsome and failing to adequately perform his duties, including providing necessary information before taking tracks out of service.

Taylor was ultimately placed on administrative leave and then fired. He had earned $109,000 annually and now works as a teacher for a reduced salary.

Taylor sued Union Pacific Railroad Co., alleging he was fired for engaging in protected activity under the Federal Railroad Safety Act.

The jury awarded approximately $1.03 million, including more than $312,300 in back pay.

Citation: Taylor v. Union Pac. R.R. Co., No. 18-cv-1110 (M.D. La. Dec. 7, 2021).

Plaintiff counsel: J. Arthur Smith and Robert M. Schmidt, both of Baton Rouge, La.