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?

"Reprisals" can come in many forms. A.R.S. 38-531 defines a "reprisal" as:

A defined in A.R.S. 38-531, "personnel action" means:

• (a) Appointment.
• (b) Promotion.
• (c) Disciplinary or corrective action.
• (d) Detail, transfer or reassignment.
• (e) Suspension, demotion or dismissal.
• (f) Reinstatement.
• (g) Restoration.
• (h) Reemployment.
• (i) Performance evaluation.
• (j) Decision concerning pay, benefits or awards.
• (k) Elimination of the employee's position without a reduction in force by reason of lack of monies or work.
• (l) Other significant change in duties or responsibilities which is inconsistent with the employee's salary or grade level.

Generally, ANY act that is "adverse" to your position is considered a "reprisal". This could include:

• Withholding or denying an appointment to a board or council,
• Withholding or denying a promotion or other advancement,
• Withholding or denying training,
• An unrequested reassignment to a job, department, or project you didn't want
• Refusing to rehire or reinstate you,
• Giving you a poor or derogatory performance evaluation
• Removing you from a list of candidates for an award
• Cutting back your hours to a point where you are no longer eligible for benefits such as medical insurance, dental insurance, or child care assistance,
• Cutting back or refusing to allow you to work overtime
• Eliminating YOUR job
• Anything that could adversely affect your pay, benefits, duties, or opportunity for advancement