Are Whistleblowers Protected from Retaliation?

Yes, whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.

Whistleblowers play an important role in the workplace. Whistleblowers are employees who report unsafe or unlawful practices they witness in the workplace. Employees can report their employers for unsafe and unlawful actions without fear of retaliation from their employers.

New Jersey Protects Whistleblowers

The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) protects employees who come forward to report illegal and fraudulent activities their employer commits. CEPA is frequently referred to as New Jersey’s “Whistleblower Act” and prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report such activity. Under CEPA, it is illegal to retaliate against employees who:

• Inform a supervisor or the public about an illegal activity, policy, or practice
• Provide information or testifies during an investigation, hearing, or inquiry involving the employer
• Provide information that the employer deceived or misrepresented a shareholder, client, investor, or patient
• Provide information about an activity on behalf of the employer that they believe to be illegal
• Object to, or refuse to participate in, an activity, policy, or practice that they believe is illegal or against the best interest of public health or safety

CEPA ensures that employees who report illegal activity may not be subject to any adverse employment action in connection with reporting the violation.

Examples of Whistleblower Cases

An employee may be considered a whistleblower for reporting the following types of illegal activity committed by their employers:

• Reporting sexual harassment
• Reporting discrimination
• Reporting corruption
• Reporting fraud

Whistleblowers help keep employers accountable. Employees can and should report illegal or unsafe activities they witness at work. We want you to feel safe reporting any unlawful practices you witness in the workplace.