Blowing the whistle on illegal activity can present unique challenges for individuals who come forward. Identity and confidentiality protections can help mitigate potential blowback that a whistleblower may receive. While anonymity may be allowed in some situations and with some agencies, there are others that do not allow anonymous reporting at all, or allow anonymous reporting for only a limited amount of time. To understand your options and rights as a whistleblower, it is crucial to hire an experienced Orange County whistleblower retaliation lawyer. Elite Employment Law provides valuable guidance and counsel to protect you throughout the process.
What Constitutes Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is the act of reporting illegal or unethical behavior in order to bring these activities to light and ensure accountability in the workplace. In California, whistleblowers are protected by law from employer retaliation, and employers are not allowed to create policies against whistleblowing activities. There are several federal agencies that provide whistleblower protections as well.
Allowances for Anonymous Reporting and Confidential Reporting
Given some of the risks of whistleblowing, it is natural for individuals to want to remain anonymous as a whistleblower. Some agencies on the state and federal levels allow you to report anonymously, while others require you to report using your normal identity. In these situations, your information is kept confidential to protect your rights, but this is not a foolproof system. To create an extra layer of protection, some agencies will allow the use of a pseudonym. The variation among reporting methods can be confusing for individuals, and a lawyer can help provide clarity and define a course of action. Lawyers understand the nuances and complexities of anonymous and confidential reporting and make sure you are protected.
Options if Your Rights as a Whistleblower Have Been Violated
While whistleblowers are protected from retaliation, it still happens all too frequently. Additionally, identities can be revealed whether a report was made anonymously or confidentially, which increases the risk of blowback that whistleblowers may experience. If you have found that your rights as a whistleblower have been violated, then you should consult a lawyer right away. They can help you file a claim with the California Department of Industrial Relations, the California Civil Rights Department, or any of the applicable federal agencies. Your lawyer will help you navigate the reporting process so you can get a favorable outcome and stop any adverse treatment you received for being a whistleblower.
Elite Employment Law Protects Your Rights as a Whistleblower in California
Elite Employment Law has a firm understanding of whistleblower laws and protections in California and in the U.S. We make sure that you are not alone after reporting illegal or unethical activities. Our team protects your rights and identity, as well as helps you understand what options you have based on your situation and the agency you made your whistleblower complaint with. To discuss your options for anonymous reporting or to file a complaint, schedule a free consultation with our team today and let us fight for you.