If you have reported your employer for illegal or unethical activity, you will be considered a “whistleblower.” Unfortunately, doing the right thing can have consequences. For example, your employer may attempt to retaliate against you. Luckily, there are laws in place to protect whistleblowers. Read on to learn more.
What is a whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an employee who informs higher-ups of unsafe working conditions, undocumented injuries, and fraudulent financial activity in a business. This not only protects the employee, but his or her fellow colleagues from being held responsible for their bosses’ wrongdoings and prevents dangerous behavior from being swept under the rug. If you believe your employer is engaging in illegal or unethical behavior, it is important to speak with an experienced employment law attorney.
Common types of workplace retaliation:
Unfortunately, if you report your employer, he or she may attempt to retaliate against you as a result.
Some of the most common forms of retaliation to be aware of include:
- Wrongful termination
- Reduction of pay
- Demotion
- Disciplinary action
- Denial of overtime pay
- Blacklisting
- Unfair termination
Do Georgia laws protect me?
Luckily, numerous Georgia laws protect whistleblowers. The following laws can protect you and your rights:
The Georgia Whistleblower Act
This law typically only protects employees reporting discrimination in the workplace against individuals with disabilities or based on gender, and fraudulent business transactions.
The Occupational Safety & Health Act
The Occupational Safety & Health Act protects the rights of whistleblowers so they can continue to maintain the integrity of the business and safe work environments. The act also sets and enforces workplace standards by providing training, outreach, and education on the policies.
The Sarbanes- Oxley Act
The Sarbanes- Oxley Act was created as a result of widespread corporate fraud. The act sets new standards to reduce conflict of interest in the workplace and transfers responsibility for the accurate handling of financial reports.
What do I do if I believe my employer is retaliating against me?
If you believe you are a victim of retaliation, it is important to reach out to an employment law attorney as soon as possible. Contact our firm today to discuss your options. We are here to advocate for you every step of the way.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA FIRM
To discuss your employment law case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.
