Federal and state laws protect workers in a variety of scenarios. Employees have protection based on their personal characteristics, such as their race, religion and sex. Workers also have protection when they engage in certain activities, such as attempting to unionize or requesting medical accommodations.
Employees who draw attention to unsafe work conditions or legal violations act as whistleblowers. Whistleblowers have protection under both state and federal law. They should not face job loss or other forms of retaliation to punish them for reporting their concerns.
What specific actions may make a worker eligible for whistleblower protection?
1. Filing an internal complaint
Advising a safety compliance officer or supervisor of illegal or unsafe behavior is a protected activity. Workers have the right to notify appropriate parties within the business about inappropriate organizational practices.
2. Notifying regulatory authorities
Perhaps employees already realize that key leaders within the company are aware of issues and have chosen to ignore them. Perhaps they worry about their own legal exposure if the company fails to act. Workers have whistleblower protection in scenarios where they directly report their concerns to outside regulatory authorities instead of first addressing the issue internally.
3. Filing a qui tam lawsuit
Professionals can sometimes choose to take legal action against their employers. A qui tam lawsuit involves a worker suing an employer on behalf of the government while alleging that the company violated the False Claims Act.
Workers who have acted as whistleblowers should not face retaliation. Those coping with company misconduct or preparing to speak up about their concerns may need help protecting themselves and properly asserting their rights.