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The United States has implemented laws to protect and encourage whistleblowers at the federal, state, and local levels. In this blog, we’ll address the challenges that whistleblowers face and solutions to those challenges specifically in Michigan. Don’t let your employer intimidate you into keeping quiet about a violation you’ve discovered. Call or email a Marquette whistleblower lawyer as soon as you can. We’ll do everything we can to help you bring these violations to light without endangering yourself.
Employer retaliation against whistleblowers refers to adverse responses by employers toward employees who report an unlawful action of the employer. Examples of retaliation include weaponizing workplace processes like termination or demotion, as well as threatening to do so not just to the whistleblowing employees themselves but to family or friends also employed by the company.
In this scenario, you have two main sources of protection: federal law as well as a Michigan state law called the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act. If you were honest in what you reported, then your employment lawyer will be able to use these laws in your defense.
The Whistleblower’s Protection Act exists to protect employees when they bring attention to law violations or suspected law violations in their workplaces. It also offers protections to those employees called to testify against their employer, be that in hearings, investigations, legislative inquiries, or court actions. Finally, the WPA contains remedies for employees harmed by retaliation and penalties for employers who engage in retaliation. Healthcare workers in Michigan have heightened protections, considering the sensitive nature of their professions, under a separate law called the Michigan Health Facility Whistleblower Protection Act.
If your employer has discriminated against you because you brought attention to their wrongdoing, the WPA opens the possibility of being reinstated as well as recovering back wages, fringe benefits, seniority rights, actual damages, or a combination of these. The court may even allow you to recover a part or the entirety of your costs and attorney fees.
Although practically every kind of workplace in every kind of industry may attempt to cheat the government, the most common whistleblower claims occur in:
After an employer punishes you for speaking out, you may easily feel especially vulnerable. Keep your head up and remember the law is on your side. Our tried and true firm has been helping Michigan employees for years, and we’ll fight for you.
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