| In a statement made by the National | | | | whistleblower protections built into them: |
| Whistleblowers Centre (NWC), "whistleblowers are | | | | The False Claims Act allows a private individual or |
| the single most important corporate resource for | | | | "whistleblower", with knowledge of past or |
| detecting and preventing fraud. Whistleblowers | | | | present fraud on the federal government, to sue |
| can face serious consequences, but knowing your | | | | on behalf of the government to recover civil |
| rights as a whistleblower can make speaking up | | | | penalties and triple damages. If the suit is |
| sooner a bit easier." | | | | successful, it not only stops the dishonest |
| Think of the gutsy decision made by | | | | conduct, but also deters similar conduct by others |
| whistleblower Coleen Rowley- she was the one | | | | and may result in the receipt of a substantial |
| who voiced her concerns to the Director of the | | | | share of the government's ultimate recovery |
| FBI regarding the FBI's mishandling of the 9/11 | | | | – as much as 30% of the total. |
| terrorist attacks and the terrorist activity that | | | | The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) provides |
| they were aware of prior to the attacks. It takes | | | | statutory protections for federal employees who |
| a lot of courage to be a whistleblower. In the | | | | engage in "whistleblowing," making a disclosure |
| news, we hear about high profile scandals and | | | | evidencing illegal or improper government activities. |
| wonder why no one spoke up sooner. | | | | Sarbanes- Oxley Section 806 also has provisions |
| Many employees end up getting fired for blowing | | | | to protect whistleblowers in the case of reporting |
| the whistle. This makes it easier to understand | | | | financial and accounting malpractices. |
| why it can take awhile for an employee to speak | | | | There are also many branches of the US |
| up about misconduct. | | | | Department of Labour that protect |
| What Makes the Whistle Blow? | | | | whistleblowers within the United States. |
| Fraud and criminal practices are the most | | | | Forms of Retaliation: |
| frequently reported cases of misconduct. Other | | | | Even though retaliating against a whistleblower in |
| areas that receive whistleblower attention are: | | | | the workplace is illegal, the unfortunate reality is, it |
| - Health and safety issues | | | | usually happens. |
| - Accounting and bank fraud | | | | According to common forms of retaliation include: |
| - Environmental issues | | | | - Firing |
| - Discrimination | | | | - Demotion |
| - Harassment | | | | - Suspension |
| - Medical malpractices | | | | - Job reassignment |
| Rights of Whistleblowers: | | | | - Decrease in work hours |
| In order to have your rights as a whistleblower | | | | - Change in work description |
| protected, you must report the actions to a | | | | - Denial of future promotions |
| government agency or someone outside of the | | | | - Relocation |
| company- whistleblower protections do not apply | | | | - Harassment, cold shoulder from others |
| for cases made internally. The legal issues | | | | The experts at also provide some information |
| surrounding whistleblowing are very complex. | | | | on employee legal rights if an employer or fellow |
| Before taking any action as a whistleblower, it is | | | | employees retaliate: |
| important that you seek legal advice. The industry | | | | - You may be able to file a claim with |
| you work in and the type of malpractice you plan | | | | Occupational Health and Safety Administration or |
| to report play a role in determining which laws and | | | | state labor board officials. |
| acts you will be covered by. The purpose behind | | | | - Many laws protecting whistleblowers from |
| whistleblower protection laws are to allow | | | | retaliation have statutes of limitation, meaning a |
| employees to stop, report, or testify about | | | | 30-day filing deadline is in place. |
| employer actions that are illegal, unhealthy, or | | | | - Consulting with a whistleblower attorney is also |
| violate specific public policies. | | | | highly recommended. |
| Here are some of the acts that have | | | | |