Top 5 Signs of Whistleblower Retaliation at Work

As an employee in Pennsylvania, you have the right to speak up when you have concerns. You have the right to report harassment, discrimination, wage theft and other unlawful practices, and your employer cannot take action against you if you choose to blow the whistle.

Or, at least, it cannot legally take action against you.

Despite state and federal prohibitions on whistleblower retaliation in the workplace, retaliation is a very real concern for many employees. The following are five common signs of whistleblower retaliation—and signs that you should discuss your situation with an experienced employment lawyer promptly:

1. Unwarranted Negative Performance Reviews

Unwarranted negative performance reviews targeting whistleblowers are an all-too-common form of retaliation. Even if a negative performance review does not have immediate consequences, it could prevent you from obtaining a raise or promotion in the future, or it could be the first step in a move to terminate your employment.

2. Reassignment or Exclusion from Work Opportunities

If you have been reassigned to a less-desirable position, project or location after blowing the whistle, this could be a retaliatory measure as well. Exclusion from work opportunities is another similar form of retaliation that employers will often try to justify based on supposed merit-based criteria or legitimate business interests.

3. Reduced Working Hours or Denial of Benefits

If your working hours were reduced or you were denied benefits (i.e., flexible work scheduling or the ability to work from home) after you blew the whistle, this too could be a form of retaliation. Here too, employers will often try to use pretexts to justify actions that are prohibited by state and federal law.

4. Getting Passed Over for a Raise or Promotion

If you were in line for a raise or promotion before you blew the whistle and subsequently got passed over, this could also be indicative of retaliation. While employers generally have a certain amount of discretion when issuing raises and promotions, they cannot deny raises or promotions to employees based on their decision to seek accountability.

5. Excessive Disciplinary Action

Excessive disciplinary action (or disciplinary action that is entirely unjustified) targeting whistleblowers is yet another common sign of retaliation. If you have faced excessive or unjustified disciplinary action after filing a whistleblower complaint against your employer, you may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, additional financial compensation and/or other remedies.

Again, these are just some of the most common examples. If you have any reason to suspect that you are a victim of whistleblower retaliation at work, an employment lawyer at Murphy Law Group can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Speak with a Philadelphia Employment Lawyer at Murphy Law Group for Free

Do you have reason to believe that you may be a victim of whistleblower retaliation at work? If so, we invite you to get in touch. To discuss your situation with an experienced Philadelphia employment lawyer at Murphy Law Group in confidence, please call 267-273-1054 or request a free consultation online today.