Employees in Minnesota head to work everyday throughout the workweek and will generally have a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, this is not the case for all employees. Not only are some workers mistreated but they also fear reporting this mistreatment. Even when some voice their concern, those in charge retaliate against their claim. This often makes the situation worse and their employer’s actions are a violation of law due to whistleblower protection.
A former employee for the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights recently filed a complaint. The 33-year-old female worked as a complaint investigation officer and her complaint alleges that her bosses violated the Minnesota Whistleblowers Act because they discouraged her from raising concerns to the union about her mistreatment. According to the former employee she was forced to work overtime, she did not receive overtime pay and she was singled out for harassment.
According to the report, after she complained about her mistreatment she was suspended for three days without any pay. Her employer stated that it was due to her contribution to the negative and tense environment at the workplace. This treatment finally led to her quitting her job and filing the complaint that alleged the violation of the states whistleblower act.
The abuse of authority or retaliation against an employee who voices their concerns is often considered evidence of a violation of law. Whistleblower protection was established to protect an employee who complains about a good-faith belief that their employer is violating the law. A violation of this protection could mean cause for filing a complaint.
Those dealing with issues in the work environment should seek to better understand their situation. An employee who believes they should report actions carried out by their employer should understand that they have rights and options.
Source: City Pages, “Former Mpls Civil Rights Dept employee says bosses exploited her, told her not to complain,” Aaron Rupar, Nov. 11, 2013
