Employees in Minneapolis rarely see something illegal or untoward happening on the job, but these situations can happen. You might have seen your co-workers regularly dumping sewage in a local river. Or, perhaps your industrial company has made it a policy to violate the Clean Air Act.
Minnesota workers should know that if they see something wrong happening at work, they are well within their rights to report this illegal behavior. In fact, it’s far better to report it to the appropriate authorities than risk getting accused of committing the legal violation yourself.
You’re protected from whistleblower retaliation
People who report the environmental law violations of their employers can receive protection under federal whistleblower laws. Furthermore, if you suffer retaliation from your employer because you reported him or her – like getting fired, demoted or losing other workplace opportunities – state and federal law will support you in filing a claim against your employer for resulting financial damages.
Here are some of the federal environmental laws that protect environmental whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers:
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
- Energy Reorganization Act
- Clean Air Act
- Safe Drinking Water Act
- Solid Waste Disposal Act
- Water Pollution Control Act
- Toxic Substance Control Act
The above laws protect employees who complain about environmental, safety or health hazards at their jobs. To receive protection, workers must demonstrate their good faith belief that a legal violation occurred, and they must have complained to a federal agency or their employer about the offense.
Whistleblowers can also receive protecting on the state level. Lawmakers created the Minnesota Whistleblower Act to prohibit discrimination and retaliation against workers who complain about legal violations on the job.
Were you retaliated against after reporting your boss?
Minnesota workers don’t have to put up with losing their jobs or suffering other kinds of retaliation because they complained about a legal violation on the job. An employment law attorney can help you file the appropriate claims to ensure that you receive protection from on-the-job whistleblower retaliation or discrimination.
