Whistleblower lawyer Eric Bachman was quoted in a Lifehacker article “How to Agitate Politically Without Losing Your Job.” The article discusses how employees can be active politically while best protecting themselves from retaliation from their employer.
The article suggests several factors to consider when deciding if and how to work on or speak out about political issues. For example, do you work for a federal, state, or local government versus a private company? Also, do you work in a state, county, or city that has a law that protects employees from being retaliated against for engaging in political activity? It is important to clearly understand what restrictions and protections may apply to you as an employee before you decide if and to what extent you will become politically active.
In addition, the article suggests that employees should consider using a pseudonym or agitating anonymously since that may provide them extra protection against retaliation. Similarly, employees may enjoy greater protections if they do not use company resources or time, and make it clear they are speaking and acting in their personal capacity (as opposed to representing the views of the employer), when they are involved in political events and public discussions.
Washington DC whistleblower law firm Zuckerman Law represents whistleblowers nationwide under federal whistleblower protection laws, including the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower law, and the False Claims Act and NDAA anti-retaliation provisions. To schedule a free preliminary consultation, click here or call us at 202-262-8959.
