What is the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989?

The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 is a federal law that helps to protect people who work for the government from retaliation for disclosing information about their employer. The law, which is administered by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, states that federal, state, and local employees cannot face discipline simply for reporting violations of law, mismanagement, abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety. In Virginia, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 is enforced by the Office of the Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General can investigate and take action against any state employee or member of the Judiciary who is found to have retaliated against an employee who has disclosed information that the employee reasonably believed to be illegal, improper, or wasteful activity. Employees can make disclosures to their supervisors, their agency head, or the Office of the Attorney General. The agency head or the Office of the Attorney General must investigate the complaint and, if necessary, take appropriate action. The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 also provides for damages if an employee is retaliated against. This includes damages for lost wages and benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and attorney’s fees. If a court finds that the employer violated the law, they may be required to reinstate an employee, give back pay and benefits, and/or pay a civil penalty. Overall, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 is an important law that protects federal, state, and local employees from retaliation for disclosing information about illegal, improper, or wasteful activity. It helps to ensure that employees are not retaliated against for speaking out against injustices and encourages them to do the right thing.

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What is the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989?

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