Texas Federal Judge Denies Welding Rod Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand

HOUSTON -- A Texas judge has denied welding rod plaintiffs' motion to remand, rejecting the plaintiffs' argument that the federal officer, government contract and Defense Production Act do not apply to their claims. Doherty, et al. v. Lincoln Electric, et al., No. 04-cv-2203 (S.D. Texas).

In a one-page, Sept. 24 order, Judge Lynn N. Hughes of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas denied the motion without providing reasoning.

Defendants removed the case after determining that plaintiff John Doherty worked at the Todd Shipyard, a facility the defendants claimed engaged in Naval ship repair work.

Doherty …