Whistleblowers play a vital role in protecting public funds, ensuring worker and consumer safety, safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions. In fact, whistleblowing is deeply embedded in the American experience, going all the way back to 1778, when the Continental Congress enacted a law that protected two whistleblowers who raised concerns about the treatment of British prisoners during the Revolutionary War.
That’s why we celebrate National Whistleblower Day, and recognize people with the courage to call out fraud, misconduct, corruption, and other illegal activities in the workplace. It’s also a day to acknowledge the bravery it takes to stand up for what is right, while reminding whistleblowers and would-be whistleblowers about the laws that protect them, and the rewards that are available for speaking up.
Knowing about whistleblower rights is not just about protection; it’s about empowerment. For example, a New York financial services whistleblower who believes that their boss is violating securities laws may be more empowered to point out wrongdoing if they know about the broad anti-retaliation protections for New York employees under New York Labor Law Section 740, or the anti-retaliation protections for public company employees under Sarbanes-Oxley, or the SEC whistleblower reward program under the Dodd-Frank Act.
In addition, whistleblowers in other states and in other industries, such as construction, may be more likely to speak out when they’re aware of the protections and incentives available to them.
On this National Whistleblower Day, we honor the individuals who have risked so much to expose wrongdoing and safeguard the public’s interest. We also remind every employee of the power they hold when they understand their rights.
| Although robust anti-retaliation protections and strong whistleblower reward programs are in place, it’s still intimidating to become a whistleblower, especially when it involves reporting your own boss or employer. An experienced whistleblower attorney can help de-mystify the process, evaluate your particular facts, and help guide your decision on whether to blow the whistle. Our whistleblower and retaliation team, led by Tammy Marzigliano and David Jochnowitz, has the knowledge, experience, and dedication to guide potential whistleblowers through the complex process, ensuring their rights are protected every step of the way. |
