Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Can my employer fire me if I report my employer's wrong-doing to a government agency?

It depends. Florida Statute 448.102 states that an employer cannot fire, demote or suspend you if you disclose or threaten to disclose the wrong-doing to an appropriate government agency, in writing, under oath. However, you have to first bring the wrong-doing to the attention of your supervisor, in writing, in order to give the company a "reasonable opportunity" to correct whatever it is the company is doing unlawfully. If the employer does not correct it, and you report it, or threaten to do so, and as a result they fire, suspend or demote you, you have a claim of action against them. You can ask for reinstatement and compensation for lost wages and benefits. The court can also award attorney's fees to the prevailing party.