Whistleblower & Retaliation
Blowing the Whistle & Retaliation: What’s Illegal?
Retaliation is the most common illegal motive in employment cases. Companies too often look to shoot the messenger rather than solve the real problems they face. However, only some kinds of retaliation are illegal.
If you are considering blowing the whistle at work, it is best to check with an employment attorney ahead of time to ensure that what you want to report will count as “protected activity” before you do it. While good companies and good bosses will take important feedback on management and business issues in stride, more will retaliate against the reporting employee. If your report is not “protected activity,” your employer can legally fire you for complaining and that is exactly what your boss might want to do, especially if your complaint is about her or him.
Employees are protected when their complaints relate to fraud on the government, illegal discrimination, wage and hour violations, nuclear safety, OSHA violations, labor rights, and several other issues. But the laws at issue vary as to who the whistleblower must complain to and what magic words must be said in order to be protected.
Do I Have a Case?
If you believe you are the victim of illegal retaliation or if you are considering reporting a problem at work, you should reach out for a consultation or call today at 704.940.6399 or 864.516.7526.
For more information on these different types of retaliation visit our pages below:
