Take a look at some of the biggest companies in the world, and you’ll see that they have an extensive history of committing crimes. If they can do it, then surely can smaller corporations and companies.
If you’ve noticed unlawful activities in your workplace, and you want to do something about it, you might be worried about getting into trouble. But you feel like it’s your duty, so you want to learn more about whistleblowing.
Here’s a short guide on what to do and what whistleblower protection there is.
Table of Contents
Whistleblower Protection Laws
First off, you should know that there’s the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 protects federal workers who report on government illegality, waste, and corruption. But that’s not the only law around that protects whistleblowers from suffering retaliation from their employers.
There are also:
- False Claims Act of 1863
- Lloyd-La Follette Act of 1912
- Freedom of Information Act of 1966
- Civil Service Reform Act of 1978
- Ethics in Government Act of 1978
- No FEAR Act of 2002
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
As you can see, there are multiple laws, which can be tough to wade through. It’s always a good idea to consult with a whistleblower attorney so your rights are protected to the fullest.
What to Do
If your employer or coworker asks you to do something illegal, such as falsifying documents or skipping steps in safety protocol, the most important thing you can do is say “no” and refuse to do so.
Then, you might want to ask other trusted coworkers if they’ve been approached to do the same. The more evidence you have, the better. Plus, there’s strength in numbers.
You’ll then want to report the illegal activity. You can do so by speaking with your boss or even calling the company hotline for misconduct. This is important to do if you want to pursue legal action, as this is a necessary step for your case to succeed.
If this doesn’t remedy the situation, then you need to get everything down in writing. Record when incidents happen, who’s involved, and the details of what happened. Make several copies, including one to keep at home, safe from people tampering with it at work.
Lastly, you’ll need to consult with an attorney. They’ll be able to assess your case and advise you on how to best move forward.
Unfortunately, many cases aren’t cut and dry, especially if the company/corporation spans several states, as well as federal laws.
Don’t Let Your Employer Get Away With Illegal Activity
It can be scary to take action, but you shouldn’t let your employer get away with committing crimes, especially if they’re immediately harmful or dangerous. Know that there’s whistleblower protection, which you can take full advantage of if you get a lawyer for whistleblower purposes.
So stand up to shady practices and do your part in making the world a better place. There will definitely be people who will be glad you did!
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