What rights do whistleblowers have?

In Washington, whistleblowers are protected under the state’s Whistleblower Protection Act. This law states that an employer cannot retaliate against employees who report a suspected violation of the law or other misconduct to any of the following: a public body, such as the police or a regulatory agency; the media or another person, such as a co-worker; or a State Inspector General. Under the Whistleblower Protection Act, employers are prohibited from retaliating against whistleblowers in any form, which includes firing, suspending, demoting, or otherwise discriminating against them. Additionally, employers are prohibited from retaliating against someone who has helped or is about to help a whistleblower or encouraged them to file a complaint. Furthermore, the law states that whistleblowers may not be demoted, suspended, or fired for reporting any kind of unethical or illegal activity. Whistleblowers may also have the right to receive damages if their employer has retaliated against them in any way. Finally, the law also states that employees have the right to a safe working environment and that employers must take all reasonable steps to ensure their safety. Employers must also take reasonable steps to ensure that whistleblowers are not retaliated against for their actions. In the event that a whistleblower is fired or retaliated against, the employer must provide the whistleblower with a written explanation of the reasons behind the action.

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