BPA: Last 4 whistleblower cases in hiring scandal settled

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Bonneville Power Administration has reached confidential settlements with four employees who filed whistleblower complaints after bringing the agency's veterans hiring scandal to light in 2013.

The whistleblowers said the regional electricity agency discouraged hiring veterans, who are entitled by law to preference rights in federal hiring.

The Oregonian reported the scandal threatened the agency's independence from higher-ups in Washington, D.C., something regional leaders have guarded as a way of protecting access to cheap hydropower

The BPA said the four settlements mean it now has settled all complaints from whistleblowers. But it still faces lawsuits filed by veterans and other who contend they were discriminated against.

The agency said it reviewed 1,200 hiring cases and eventually made 135 employment offers individuals who were affected, hiring 65 people.

___

Information from: The Oregonian,