Employee Protections For Workplace Whistleblowers
Massachusetts whistleblower laws are intended to protect employees who speak up about their concerns in the workplace. Unsafe working conditions are unacceptable, and employees have a right to a safe job site free from reasonable harm. Employers have a moral and legal obligation to protect their staff, and those who speak up regarding unsafe working conditions, mistreatment, or any other concern are legally protected from retaliation by their employer. Not only do employees have a right to a safe jobsite, but they also have the right to speak up and voice their concerns to supervisors or HR managers as they arise, without the fear of any repercussions.
Whistleblowers are protected from many different kinds of complaints that go beyond unsafe working conditions. In fact, those who speak up about withheld wages, overtime issues, discrimination, tipping practices, missed opportunities for promotions, and so much more. Should you have experienced retaliation on behalf of your employer for voicing your concerns, you may be entitled to compensation. Unfair treatment should never be brushed under the rug, and instead, exercise your legal rights to a healthy and productive job site.
What is Employer Retaliation?
Those who have spoken up about health and safety violations, misconduct, or illegal activity conducted on behalf of their employer may not experience retaliation in the form of a wrongful dismissal. Retaliation can come in many different forms, including workplace transfers, bullying, missing out on promotions, threats, poor performance reviews, and general mistreatment.
“Blowing the whistle” on an employer, for any reason, is a protected act that must come without any kind of negative consequences against the employee themselves. Instead, every employee has the right to take the appropriate actions and have respectful conversations about these issues, while the employer works to resolve them.
Massachusetts Whistleblower Laws Explained
The state of Massachusetts maintains legal protections that are detailed within the malegislature.gov website. Specifically, Chapter 149 outlines the state’s labor laws, articulating that “an employer or public utility employer shall not take any retaliatory action against an employee” for the following reasons:
- “Discloses, or threatens to disclose to a supervisor or to a public body an activity, policy or practice,” “that the employee reasonably believes is in violation of a law.”
- “Provides information to, or testifies before, any public body conducting an investigation.”
- “Objects to, or refuses to participate in any activity,” “which the employee reasonably believes is in violation of a law.”
The law also states that “any employee or former employee aggrieved of a violation of this section may, within two years, institute a civil action in the superior court.”
Should an employee be dismissed or face any sort of retaliation for voicing their concerns, refusing to participate in unsafe work, or refusing to break a law, it could expose the employer to a wrongful dismissal case. At times, when an employee has highlighted an issue of misconduct or discrimination, refused to lie on an employer’s behalf, or participated in illegal work of any kind, they maintain deep protections on behalf of Massachusetts labor laws protecting them from
Whistleblower Retaliation Settlements in Massachusetts
Clients who are successful in their whistleblower or wrongful dismissal case are entitled to compensation for a number of reasons. Aside from compensation for lost wages, some clients will see courts order the employee to be reinstated into their previous role while having their attorney fees covered. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a qualified attorney can reach a settlement with your employer in your favor, even recouping your costs for seeking a new employment opportunity.
Personalized and dedicated attorneys will advocate on your behalf, guiding you through the process and detailing every option available to you. Seeking out legal counsel is also protected under Massachusetts law, and simply speaking to a whistleblower attorney about your concerns is within your legal rights.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
Lean on a qualified employment and whistleblower attorney in Massachusetts who prioritizes your best interests over anything else, helping you protect your rights as an employee. Fogelman Law LLC is your trusted partner for all of your employment-related concerns, including whistleblowers who speak up against misconduct and mistreatment of any kind.
Should you be unsure of where to begin or how to go about the process, our firm offers free consultations to new clients, helping you determine if what you have experienced on the jobsite warrants legal action. Much of our work is completed on a contingent basis, meaning that only in the event our attorneys win your case, we are compensated for the work.
We understand these are stressful times. Engaging in a consultation with our firm can at the very least, help you understand your legal rights and whether or not you have a case against your employer. Don’t delay, reach out to us today to learn more about your options and how we can help you fight for what is rightfully yours. Call or email us now to learn more.
