As a loyal employee, we are sometimes put into a difficult position where the actions of a company or of personnel management may make us feel uncomfortable. It is difficult to know what to do in these situations. It is important to know that, as a member of the United States work force, you have the right to not be expected to participate in business or personnel activity that doesn’t fit into what you believe to meet reasonable moral or ethical standards without the fear of losing your job, being sanctioned, or being mistreated in retaliation for refusing to compromise your own personal standards. In these situations, it is important to consider that you may need to consult with a Whistleblower Attorney to discuss your concerns, your rights, and your options.
Under United States federal laws and regulations, employees are afforded the right to free speech in certain situations where that employee feels that they may be retaliated against for exposing business activity that may be inappropriate or illegal or if they feel that they have already been retaliated against for speaking up. According to a Wikipedia article on Whistleblower Protection, “Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation for disclosure of information which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.” Depending on the situation, the protection for whistleblowers is guaranteed under various United States Department of Labor laws, the United States Office of Special Council, or other entities.
If you believe that you have a complaint that may qualify for special protection, it is essential to consult with a Whistleblower Attorney in order to ensure that your rights are protected. An experienced attorney can meet with you for a confidential consultation to educate you about your rights, outline next steps to take, coach you on how to ensure that you are protected from retaliation from an employer, and if necessary, provide you with representation in the legal system. It is your right to work in an environment where you feel safe to express concerns about illegal or inappropriate business or personal conduct, and you should feel secure that,if you consult with a Whistleblower Attorney, you can benefit from immediate representation in a discreet and professional way.