Those who decide to stand against wrongdoing by becoming whistleblowers are national heroes. They deserve much more praise than they receive in most cases. They also place themselves at risk of retaliation when they report illegal activities by an employer.
If you think retaliation is a minor problem, please think again. Employer retaliation disrupts the lives of the whistleblower and his or her families. It also compromises the whistleblower’s ability to earn an income.
What are some examples of whistleblower retaliation?
There are many forms of employer retaliation, some of them subtle and some blatant. Whistleblowers in El Segundo, California, can identify possible employer retaliation by reviewing the following examples:
- Firing you after you report wrongdoing (wrongful termination)
- Demoting you to a lesser position
- Harassing you or promoting a hostile work environment
- Suspending you or decreasing your work hours
- Denying you the employment benefits you rightfully deserve (raises, bonuses, promotions, etc.)
- Reducing your rate of pay
When your employer engages in or promotes the behaviors above solely because of your whistleblower activities, it is not legal. No person or organization has the right to punish you because you chose to stand against workplace wrongdoing.
What can you do about whistleblower retaliation?
Now that you know a little about employer retaliation, it is time to explore your options. The good news is that the law is on your side. Both the nation and the state of California have laws that protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Take the details of your situation to an attorney for review. Together, you can examine the details of your circumstances to determine if your case requires legal action to protect your job and your family.
