Sometimes you learn something about the company you work for that you’d feel wrong keeping to yourself. We’re not talking gossip, but proof that they are breaking the law, defrauding the taxpayer or endangering lives.
You may be wary of reporting your employer to the authorities because you fear retaliation. Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act was designed to encourage people to report without fear of reprisals. The law makes it illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you report them or take part in an investigation into them. They can’t fire you, demote you, cut your pay or shifts or carry out any other sort of retaliatory action.
What if they do retaliate against you?
The law states that if you suffer retaliation, you have 90 days from the alleged violation to file a civil action against your employer. If the court agrees there was a violation, it can order your company to undo the damage. That could mean reinstating you or ordering your employer to make up any pay you lost out on among other remedies. They may also fine the company $500.
What do you have to gain?
In most cases, the only thing you will gain by whistleblowing is a clear conscience, knowing you have done the right thing and spoken out about wrongdoing when you needed to. Yet that’s no small thing, as it could mean lives are saved.
If your information relates to federal fraud, you want to consider bringing a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. If you succeed, you may be entitled to a percentage reward of any recovered money.
Whistleblowing can feel daunting. Therefore, it’s wise to get legal help to learn more if you feel you have something to report.