What are the whistleblower laws?

Whistleblower laws, also known as anti-retaliation laws, are designed to protect employees from being retaliated against in the workplace. In Rhode Island, the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (RIGL 28-50-1) provides protection for employees who disclose information regarding an employer’s illegal or unethical behavior, or take action to protect public health or safety from risk or harm. This Act prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee who reports a violation of the law, or who exercises their rights as an employee. An employer is forbidden to take any adverse action against an employee who discloses information about the employer that is true and accurate. This may include demoting the employee, reducing their wages or hours, suspending them, or terminating their employment. In addition, an employer is barred from intimidating, threatening or harassing an employee who has already made such a disclosure. Under the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, an employee who believes they have been retaliated against can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. If the complaint is found to be valid, the employee may be entitled to compensation and other forms of relief from the employer, including reinstatement of the employee to their previous position and back pay.

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What are the whistleblower laws?

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