What is the National Whistleblower Protection Act?

The National Whistleblower Protection Act (NWPA) of 1989 is a United States federal law that provides legal protections for whistleblowers who report violations of law, gross mismanagement, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety. The NWPA protects employees of the federal government and certain other entities from retaliatory action for the whistleblowing activities. Under the law, whistleblowers are protected from being fired, demoted, transferred, suspended, or otherwise discriminated against by employers. The NWPA also provides monetary rewards for whistleblowers who have suffered damages as a result of their whistleblowing activities. This can include reinstatement, double back pay, and legal fees. It also has provisions for legal assistance, as whistleblowers are often required to take legal action in order to protect their rights. The NWPA applies to all federal agencies, and also to certain organizations, including banks that are federally insured. In California, the NWPA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) office. Under the NWPA, employers and their agents who engage in acts of retaliation against whistleblowers may face civil or criminal penalties.

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What is the National Whistleblower Protection Act?

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