The First Whistleblower

Protecting and promoting the rights of whistleblowers and workers

1. What IS a "Whistleblower" ?
2. What should I do BEFORE I make a report/disclosure?
3. HOW show I make a report?
4. WHO should I send my report to?
5. What could happen to me if I DON'T make a report?
6. Could I get a $REWARD$ for making a report?
7. Am I protected from reprisal?
8. What is considered a "reprisal"?
9. What should I do if I believe I have been subjected to reprisals?
10. What rights do I have if I am questioned about a Whistleblower matter?

PROTECT YOURSELF!

Just because you weren't personally named in a Whistleblower Complaint (and you may not be told in advance if you were), doesn't mean that someone isn't trying to make YOU their "scapegoat". That innocent little "chat" you had with someone from HR on monday, could be the reason you get FIRED on friday. If the complaint was against your boss (or his boss), they are looking for anyone to take the fall for their misdeeds. Why not you?

Even worse, you may be approached to lie for someone or give statements to discredit the Whistleblower. DON'T DO IT!

Are you absolutely sure that everyone in your department is willing to lie? Are you absolutely sure that everyone will be able to keep all the lies straight? It only takes ONE honest person to bring down a house of lies. And when that happens, if you lied, YOU could get FIRED, SUED, or put in JAIL.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

If someone attempts to interview you concerning a personnel or Whistleblower matter, STOP THE INTERVIEW!. Then demand the following:

• The right to be represented by legal counsel at ANY interview or proceeding,
• Prior written notice to any interview or proceeding so that your legal representative my be present,
• A FULL copy of any complaint that is the subject of the interview,
• A FULL DISCLOSURE of any and all materials concerning the matter.

Expect the interviewer to be shocked! Expect them to try and refuse. Expect them to ask you what you have to hide. Expect them to tell you that "you" are "not the one in trouble". This may be true now, but, if they weren't looking for a scapegoat, they would have given you advance notice about the interview, and, would have informed you of your right to have YOUR attorney present. IMMEDIATELY leave the room!

Expect them to ORDER you to answer their questions. If they do, respond by saying that you want that "order" in writing. Then, IMMEDIATELY leave the room!

If you are a member of a union, contact your union representative and request to speak to an attorney. If you already have an attorney, call them immediately. If you don't have an attorney, contact Human Resources in writing, asking if there is a benefits program that provides legal assistance for employees.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

At this time, no. We do not yet have the resources.

But, YOU can help change that.

can make it possible for The First Whistleblower to provide legal assistance to Whistleblowers and potential witnesses so that their rights are protected.

For now, you are welcome to use our Legal Aid pages to find a qualified attorney to assist you.