Whistleblower laws come in many varieties, and protect state and federal employees when a company or employer breaks federal or state laws. In general, whistleblower laws allow employees to make their voices heard, and report violations of state and federal laws without the fear of retaliation. At their core, whistleblower laws protect employees who are brave enough to speak up when they observe illegal corporate activity.
In California, whistleblower laws include protections against the following:
- Employees disclosing or demonstrating an intention to disclose information on improper governmental activities or conditions that may significantly threaten the health or safety of employees.
- Employees opposing discriminatory or other practices forbidden under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
- Employees disclosing information internally to their employer or to a government agency when the employee has a reasonable belief that the information disclosed violates a local, state or federal law (i.e. rule, regulation or statute).
- Employees exercising their rights to family care or medical leave and/or giving information or testimony related to the employees’ right to take family care or medical leave.
- Employees disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency or furthering or assisting the government under California’s False Claims Act, which generally prohibits companies from defrauding the state government of its funds.
- Military service members who complain or disclose violations of the law, gross mismanagement, or other fraudulent activities.
In addition to California law, federal whistleblower laws shield employees from:
- Providing information or assisting in an investigation or proceeding relating to a violation of any rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or other federal law relating to fraud against shareholders, or suspected securities violations under the Dodd-Frank Act or Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
- Opposing practices or making a charge, testifying, assisting or participating in proceedings involving discrimination against employees because of their age (Age Discrimination in Employment).
- Reporting violations under the federal False Claims Act related to defrauding the federal government of its money.
Aaron Bartz has experience representing employee and corporate whistleblowers in all of the above types of claims, and securing large settlements and victories. Call Bartz Law Group, APC today to discuss your potential whistleblower claim.