Unfortunately, employers may cut corners in order to make or save money. Some individuals report this behavior in order to protect themselves and their fellow employers. These individuals are known as whistleblowers. But, reporting illegal or unethical activity can have consequences. For example, an employer may retaliate against an employee in a number of ways. Luckily, whistleblowers are protected under Georgia employment laws. Read on to learn more about Georgia’s whistleblower laws and what to do if you believe your employer has retaliated against you.
What is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an individual who reports unethical or illegal actions on the part of their employer. Some commonly reported actions include illegitimate financial dealings, unsafe working conditions, injuries left unreported, and more. Unfortunately, many whistleblowers are then retaliated against by their employer after reporting wrongdoing. Some of the most common forms of employer retaliation are as follows:
- Refusing overtime pay
- Blacklisting
- Reducing pay
- Demoting employees
- Taking unfair disciplinary action
- Wrongful termination
What Georgia Laws Protect Whistleblowers?
Luckily, whistleblowers are protected under state laws, such as the Georgia Whistleblower Act. Essentially, this law protects whistleblowers from retaliation when reporting discrimination or fraud against state or local government employers. Additionally, if you are a whistleblower who reported unsafe working conditions, you are afforded protection from retaliation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). This is so employees feel they have the freedom to report injustices or poor conditions in the workplace without facing any repercussions. If you believe that you have been retaliated against by your employer, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case.
If you reported unethical or illegal actions on the part of your employer and you believe were retaliated against as a result, contact our firm today. We will advocate for you every step of the way.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA FIRM
If you need help with an employment law matter in the state of Georgia, you can count on Ben Barrett Law to effectively represent your interests. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Barrett has the skill and experience necessary to help you navigate the complexities of any employment law matter you may be facing. To discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.
