Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

No one wants to be a ‘tattletale’. As children, we are taught that it’s not nice to tell stories or lies about other people, and if we do, we are teased relentlessly, ostracized, and made to feel miserable. It’s no surprise, then, that when we grow up we still feel the need for acceptance from our peers. We don’t want to jeopardize personal or professional relationships by doing or saying something that we know others would consider to be an act of a whistleblower. We fear for our job security, and sometimes for our safety.

However, sometimes it’s necessary to report conduct that is illegal or unsafe. And sometimes, we feel it’s necessary to clear our consciences by reporting behaviors and practices that we know are wrong. Most companies, especially larger companies, have hotlines that employees can call to report business practices that they think may be unlawful. They are toll-free and confidential, which makes it easier for people to feel comfortable reporting things. Very often, these calls solve the problems internally without getting authorities involved.

The laws governing whistleblowers protect them from disciplinary actions. Employers are not allowed to retaliate against the individual in any way. For instance, putting pressure on the employee by threatening to give them a bad review, making their workplace unpleasant, or even firing them. Oftentimes, the whistleblower’s identification is kept anonymous so that they are not subjected to reprisals.

California also has a False Claims Act, which prevents employers from making rules that would prevent an employee from making a report. In part, it reads, “…an employer may not discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, deny promotion to, or in any other manner discriminate against, an employee in the terms and conditions of employment because he or she has disclosed information to the government.”

If you feel your employer is acting unlawfully, is enforcing unsafe practices, or is doing something illegal, contact Rizio and Nelson. Their experienced attorneys can represent you and guide you through the process of reporting your case.