LANL SECURITY OFFICIAL ALLEGES RETALIATION IN LAWSUIT

A Los Alamos National Laboratory security official is suing the laboratory in a New Mexico District Court, alleging that he was retaliated against for raising concerns about security procedures on trips to the lab by high-profile visitors. Michael Irving, a security program leader and manager in the lab director’s office, said he informed executives at the lab in 2011 that lab security officials were not adhering to security procedures during visits to the lab by VIPs. The lawsuit also said that Irving reported discriminatory conduct against a female colleague. He alleged in court documents filed Oct. 9 that he was deemed a “troublemaker” by his bosses, told he would not earn a promotion, and transferred to a new position with less authority. The lawsuit alleged that Irving “had a legal right to make complaints that LANL employees were violating security protocols with regard to the safety of nuclear weapon materials” and “had a legal right to report discriminatory conduct in the workplace.” Irving said he suffered “emotional distress” as a result of his treatment and is seeking financial compensation for his damages. Los Alamos National Laboratory declined to comment yesterday on the pending lawsuit.