Weston Lawyers: The Risks Of Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is often characterized by those who don’t know any better as “childish” “immature” and “telling tales out of school.” It is often viewed by others (especially the perpetrators!) as the weak response to a situation – the person is not able to rectify the problem and so goes and tells everyone about it. Nothing is further from the truth.

A whistle blower is a person of courage, who stands up for his or her convictions and principles. Some whistleblowers know the cost of taking action and yet still have the courage to stand up for what’s right. Others aren’t always aware of the price they will pay for “not keeping silent”.

Fortunately today, there is a lot of legal protection for the whistleblower. Any open punishment given to him or her for their actions is illegal and invites more action against the organization. But there are other consequences that the whistleblower may face. And in some ways, this backlash is more difficult than the lawsuit itself.

Here are some of the challenges whistleblowers may face:

• Every company / organization has its secrets – many justified. But the management may not trust someone who blew the whistle once, fearing it may happen again
• Promotion prospects can be affected. Nothing will be done openly, but job performance will be found to be “sub standard” and thus good reason to keep the whistleblower in their current position.
• Transfers to a more difficult shift, location or even, job.
• If the whistleblower is a department head – he/she may find their budgets cut and then held accountable for subpar performance.
• Counter allegations again the whistleblower are a common way of shifting the focus from the wrong doings.
• Contracts may not be renewed
• The whistleblower may face social ostracism from co workers who are upset at their work environment being disturbed. This could reach the extent of sabotaging the work and the whistleblower in an attempt to make him or her look bad and force him or her, out of the organization

Whistleblowing is a tough decision. Seeking wise advice and solid legal council will go a long way in helping a whistleblower to determine how to proceed. Whistleblowers are people of honor who deserve the respect and support of their colleagues and the public for what they have done.