An employer-employee relationship may become strained or hostile for many reasons, and the deterioration of the relationship may lead the employer to fire the employee. Fortunately for employees throughout the country, some courses of action that may sour your relationship with your employer enjoy protection under the law. In general terms, these protected activities include participating in investigations and reporting unlawful conduct or practices.
If a governmental agency requests that you supply them with information about some of your employer’s practices, your employer is barred from retaliating against you for complying with the agency’s request. In plain terms, this might mean that you are subpoenaed to give testimony about some law that your employer is accused of breaking. You can rest assured that your employer is not allowed to fire you or otherwise mistreat you after you comply with the subpoena and give the agency the relevant information you have.
Furthermore, in some circumstances, you may be the one approaching an agency with information that initiates an investigation. It is not lawful for your employer to punish you for blowing the whistle on illegal behavior. However, it is worth noting that these protections can only extend to your employer, not the broader professional community.
In order for the American idea to prevail, it is important for each person to do his or her part to keep those with some power from abusing it. If you have information about your employer that may initiate an investigation, or if you believe that you are being mistreated because of your participation in an ongoing investigation, it is important to protect yourself. An experienced attorney will guide you through the steps of invoking your rights as an employee, and ensure that your rights remain protected throughout the process.