A former San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station worker is suing the company, claiming he was fired weeks after bringing safety concerns at the plant to a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspector there.

And yes, the Fukushima-crisis timing appears to be intentional:

“This case arises at a time of unprecedented concerns about nuclear power plants along our shores,'' states the suit.

Plaintiff Paul Diaz, a former manager of business accounting and project services, is suing San Onofre parent Southern California Edison for retaliation, wrongful termination, emotional distress, defamation and discrimination.

Edison isn't commenting except to say that anyone who retaliates at the company over an employee who reports safety concerns is subject to firing.

Diaz's suit states it started in early 2010 when the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, having received notice of complaints from insiders about alleged safety violations at the plant, sent a letter to a San Onofre honcho encouraging openness toward employees' safety concerns and tips.

After that, the suit claims, Diaz came forward and told his boss about some of his safety concerns.

But he says he was ordered to stay quiet.

Weeks after bringing his concerns to the NRC inspector's office at San Onofre, he says he was fired.

-With reporting from City News Service. Got news? Email us. Follow us on Twitter, too: @dennisjromero.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.