“Whistleblowing” includes many more actions in the workplace than most people commonly believe. Protections exist for employees who report what they reasonably believe to be illegal, unethical, or unsafe practices to a public or governmental agency. Protections also exist for employees who refuse to engage in an activity that would result in a violation of law. Retaliation can take many forms. It includes overt actions like termination, demotion, or reduction in pay, but also subtler forms like exclusion from meetings, poor performance reviews, or changes in job duties designed to force an employee to quit.
Certain industries have additional laws and protections for workers who oppose or report – to the government or even just to their employer – what they believe to be unethical, illegal, or unsafe practices. Some of these industries are:
- Product safety, involving manufacturing, private labeling, distribution, and retail employers;
- Consumer financial services;
- Credit unions;
- Food safety and packaging;
- Motor vehicle manufacturers, part suppliers, and dealerships;
- Truck drivers;
- Healthcare, nursing homes, and nurses.
Employees who suffer retaliation may be entitled to a range of remedies. These include reinstatement to their previous position, back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages in cases involving willful misconduct. In some cases, whistleblowers can also recover attorney’s fees and litigation costs.
If you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting wrongdoing, or if you are considering blowing the whistle but are unsure of your rights, contact Caffarelli & Associates. We will evaluate your situation confidentially and help you determine how best to protect yourself and hold your employer accountable. Taking action isn’t easy—but with the right legal support, you don’t have to do it alone.
