Moneyzine
Contents
/Careers Guides/Whistleblower (Whistle Blower)

Whistleblower (Whistle Blower)

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
2 mins
September 26th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

Definition

The term whistleblower refers to an individual reporting to the public illegal activities or misconduct occurring in a private company or government agency. There are approximately twenty federal laws that protect whistleblowers from various forms of adverse action or retaliation.

Explanation

Also referred to as whistle blowers, a whistleblower is an individual that observes and reports illegal activity or misconduct to law enforcement officers, government agencies, public media, and company oversight departments. The list below outlines some of the nearly two dozen federal laws that protect the rights of whistleblowers:

  • Affordable Care Act (ACA)

  • Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

  • Clean Air Act (CAA)

  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

  • Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA)

  • Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

  • Drug, and Cosmetic Act

  • Energy Reorganization Act (ERA)

  • FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

  • Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA)

  • Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA)

  • International Safe Container Act (ISCA)

  • Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21)

  • National Transit Systems Security Act (NTSSA)

  • Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA)

  • Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (PSIA)

  • Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

  • Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

  • Seaman's Protection Act

  • Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA)

  • Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA)

  • Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

  • Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21)

Generally, these laws protect the whistleblower from retaliation, meaning the employer is not permitted to take any "adverse action" against the individual such as:

  • Blacklisting

  • Demoting

  • Denying benefits

  • Denying overtime or promotion

  • Disciplining

  • Failing to hire or rehire

  • Firing or laying off

  • Intimidating / harassing

  • Making threats

  • Reassignments affecting prospects for promotion

  • Reducing pay or work hours

Individuals that feel an employer has taken adverse action against them are encouraged to report the incident to the Whistleblowers Protection Program managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Related Terms

Related Content

  • Is It Worth Pursuing a Master's Degree?
    In an era where education is synonymous with opportunity, many consider pursuing a Master's degree a surefire way to advance their careers. However, is it really the golden ticket to success we've been led to believe?
    March 21st, 2024
  • The gender pay gap, the persistent disparity in average earnings between men and women throughout their careers, serves as a critical measure of wage inequality. This gap underscores the ongoing issue of income disparity, despite the ideal of equal pay for equal work.
    March 14th, 2024
  • 7 Essential Financial Moves After Losing Your Job
    Navigating the stormy seas of job loss? You're not alone.
    February 23rd, 2024
  • The Most In-Demand Skills to Get Hired in 2024
    Every job requires a combination of vital skills, but what skillset is valued most in 2024? As the job market evolves, staying ahead means it’s key to understand and acquire the skills that employers value most.
    April 12th, 2024
  • Key Productivity in the Workplace Statistics for 2024
    In 2023, global employee engagement saw a slight uptick, with 23% of employees engaged, up by two percentage points. However, a sizable 59% are categorized as disengaged, while actively disengaged employees, known as "loud quitting," declined to 18%. These figures highlight the persistent challenge for organizations to cultivate happiness and productivity in the workplace.
    January 31st, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.