Definition: A whistleblower is an employee or contractor who complains about illegal activity or activity in violation of company policy at an employer. Those complaints are often voiced in public or reported to government or law enforcement agencies agencies.
Whistlerblowers have often been fired by the company they work for. However, there are some legal protections for whistleblowers.
The Whistleblower Protection Act provides legal protection for federal employees. Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) makes it unlawful for anyone to fire or retaliate against an employee for seeking or participating in an OSHA inspection and/or testifying in a proceeding related to an OSHA inspection.
In addition, whistleblowers may be able to sue their employer for wrongful termination if they can prove their claims.
Also Known As: wrongful termination, whistleblower
Examples:
Mary felt confident about contacting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration when she was unfairly demoted because of the provisions of the Whistleblower Protection Program.
