You have always been a loyal employee. Lately, however, you have seen and heard some things going on at your workplace that you know are not legal. You want to do the right thing. But what is the right thing in your circumstances? If you’re considering becoming a...
Whistleblowers
How do employers retaliate against whistleblowers?
Typically, those who spot something wrong in the workplace report the matter to their employer. The wrongdoing may involve safety violations, corporate corruption or other wrongful practices. If the employer does not correct the issue, the employee has a right to seek...
Potential barriers to reporting workplace misconduct
You’re a dedicated employee who is always willing to go that extra mile for the company. What you’re not willing to do is break the law or turn a blind eye to misconduct. Sadly, the harsh reality is that while this attitude is admirable, it can place you in a...
3 whistleblower mistakes you need to avoid
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in safeguarding public interests. However, whistleblowing also comes with its share of risks. It is not uncommon for whistleblowers to be ostracized or subjected to retaliation by their employers. Fortunately, if you are a would-be...
Despite federal protections, whistleblowers are still the minority
Everyone plays a role in helping enforce the law, especially behind the closed doors of a company's facilities. If you notice the company that you work for or specific employees doing something against the law, you have the right to speak up to report that misconduct....
Did your employer punish you for reporting executive theft?
Here is a scenario that is not uncommon. A person works in accounting and notices a disturbing trend in the paperwork submitted by the company's top salesperson. She then did the right thing, which was to report the issue to the proper authorities. Unfortunately,...
3 reasons people don’t blow the whistle on their employers
You may have recently found information that showed your employer was skimming off the top of their employees’ pay. You may have witnessed systematic racism at your workplace and been told not to talk about it. Your employer may be blatantly breaking the law in some...
Know your rights when whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is not just something a train conductor does when a train is approaching the station. Whistleblowing is the act of reporting wrongful activity in the workplace to higher authorities. This may mean reporting fraud, criminal activities, health and safety...
Michigan high court upholds ruling in teacher retaliation case
The Michigan Supreme Court has weighed in on an employer retaliation case that dates back seven years. It involves a former high school art teacher who had been teaching in the district for nearly 30 years. The teacher claimed that Jackson Public Schools (JPS)...
Can your employer demand that you break the law at work?
You typically have to do whatever your employer tells you to do while on the clock, as long as their requests do not violate your rights or the law. Employment laws generally don't give you the right to pick and choose your job responsibilities unless your contract...