The dynamics of a workplace can be very complex; however, there are personal experiences by each employee. It is these personal experiences that could bring about concerns or uncover difficult information that could present challenging situations for an employee.
When an employee or group of employees believe that something illegal is occurring in the workplace, it can feel very intimidating to go up against an employer. Additionally, employees often fear that their personal and professional lives will be harmed simply by speaking up. But employees have rights and protections in these matters, which is why it is imperative that they explore whistleblower rights and gain an understanding of their options and ability to protect themselves.
Whistleblower rights
At Colorado Employee Advocates, we understand that many concerns come with whistleblowing. This is why our attorneys take the time to help our clients fully understand what it means to be a whistleblower, the importance of their role and the rights they have. Our goal is to ensure our clients are confident with their choices and satisfied with the outcomes of their matter.
It is important to understand what a whistleblower is. In simple terms, it is the individual that reports a wrongdoing or illegal activity at a workplace. This brings light to the situation, generating the process to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. As an employee, they have the right to vocalize and report wrongdoings of their employer without the fear of losing their job.
Retaliation and your protections
When a whistleblower blows the whistle on their employer, they are protected from retaliation or attempts of retaliation by their employer. This means that they cannot be fired, demoted, denied promotions or raises, have their pay reduced, experience changes to their hours or schedule without justification, excluded from meetings or transferred without reasons.
If you believe your employer is retaliating against you for whistleblowing, it is important to understand your rights and options. You have the right to take legal action against your employer for retaliatory conduct. While this cannot be an easy action to take, as it is already challenging to speak up against an employer, you can ease your concerns by understanding your legal rights and options. A legal professional can outline your options and help you take the steps needed to protect yourself and your rights.