Are there whistleblower protections for contractors?

Yes, there are whistleblower protections for contractors in the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law, enacted in 2006, provides protections for contractor employees who report violations of state and federal laws to their employers or to a government agency. This law is designed to shield employees, including contractors, from retaliatory action by their employer. The law defines a whistleblower as an employee or contractor who, in good faith, reports any violation of the law, including fraud, theft or the misappropriation of funds, to a public body or law enforcement authority. This includes contractors who serve as consultants and independent contractors who are subject to the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Under this law, if the employee or contractor suffers retaliatory action from their employer because they reported a violation, they can file a civil suit in state court and seek damages, including compensatory and punitive damages, lost wages, and attorney fees. The court may also order the employer to stop engaging in retaliatory behavior. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for any employer to take retaliatory action against someone for acting as a whistleblower. It is important to note, however, that these protections do not extend to consultants or contractors working with non-governmental organizations or agencies. It is important for employees and contractors to understand their rights under the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law before reporting any potential violations.

Related FAQs

How does the government investigate whistleblower claims?
Are there whistleblower protections for contractors?
Can whistleblowers file claims for intellectual property violations?
What are some of the challenges associated with whistleblowing?
What damages can a whistleblower recover?
How is a whistleblower protected from employer retaliation?
How do I ensure that my rights as a whistleblower are protected?
What is the burden of proof for a whistleblower claim?
What are some best practices for whistleblowing?
How do I file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?

Are there whistleblower protections for contractors?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts