whistleblower retaliation laws Archives

What types of false claims are prohibited by the False Claims Act?

False Claims Prohibited by the False Claims Act The False Claims Act permits whistleblowers, also known as qui tam relators to recover damages on behalf of … Continued

How can a whistleblower prove retaliation?

Circumstantial Evidence Proving Retaliation Circumstantial evidence of retaliation includes: temporal proximity; indications of pretext; inconsistent application of an employer’s policies; an employer’s shifting explanations for … Continued

Where are SOX whistleblower cases litigated?

A claim under the anti-retaliation provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act must be filed initially at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor. They will perform an investigation and if they conclude that the employer violated SOX, OSHA can order preliminary reinstatement.

Can OSHA order the reinstatement of a Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower?

If OSHA determines there is “reasonable cause” to believe the complaint has merit, with limited exceptions “it shall issue” a preliminary order restoring the complainant to his or her employment status and requiring the employer to take affirmative action to abate the violation. 49 U.S.C. § 42121(b)(3)(B); 29 CFR § 1980.105(a)(1). Reinstatement orders are immediately effective and are not stayed pending the resolution of any objections or appeal. See 49 U.S.C. § 4212 (b)(2)(A).

Why should courts be skeptical of an adverse employment action taken based on subjective criteria?

Subjective standards are difficult for courts to evaluate and difficult for plaintiffs to rebut, and their use in employment decisions should be viewed with suspicion. See Hill v. Seaboard Coast Line R. Co., 885 F.2d 804, 808-09 (11th Cir. 1989); see also Watson v. Fort Worth Bank & Trust, 487 U.S. 977, 1009 (1988) (Blackmun J., concurring) ( “Allowing an employer to escape liability simply by articulating vague, inoffensive-sounding subjective criteria would disserve Title VII’s goal of eradicating discrimination in employment.”); Miles v. M.N.C. Corp., 750 F.2d 867, 871 (11th Cir. 1985) (“subjective evaluations . . . provide a ready mechanism for … discrimination.”).

Could the Whistleblower Protection Act Protect for Refusing to Obey an Order Requiring a Violation of Law?

The Whistleblower Protection Act safeguards against retaliation employees and prohibits an employer from taking personnel action for refusing an order that would require the … Continued

Does the Whistleblower Protection Act Prohibit Retaliation for Refusing to Obey an Order Requiring a Violation of Law?

The Whistleblower Protection Act safeguards against retaliation employees and prohibits an employer from taking personnel action for refusing an order that would require the … Continued

How does a whistleblower prove knowledge of protected whistleblowing?

Under the WPA, the whistleblower must prove that the agency officials accused of retaliation knew about the individual’s protected disclosures. An employee can show … Continued

What whistleblowing is protected under the False Claims Act anti-retaliation provision?

False Claims Act Whistleblower Protection The whistleblower protection provision of the False Claims Act (“FCA”), protects “lawful acts done by the employee, contractor, agent or associated … Continued

Who is protected under the whistleblower protection provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act?

Scope of Sarbanes-Oxley Corporate Whistleblower Protection The whistleblower protection provision of SOX protects: employees, officers, and agents of publicly traded companies (companies issuing securities … Continued

What is the “reasonable cause” standard in an OSHA whistleblower investigation?

Standard Governing OSHA Whistleblower Investigations In spring 2015, OSHA issued a memo clarifying the investigative standard for OSHA whistleblower investigations. OSHA enforces more than twenty … Continued

What acts of retaliation are prohibited by the Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower protection law?

Retaliation Prohibited by the Sarbanes-Oxley Whistleblower Protection Law The Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower protection law prohibits a broad range of retaliatory acts, including: termination; demotion; suspension; harassment; … Continued

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