Speaking up when you see wrongdoing at work can be stressful, as you might worry your employer will punish you for reporting illegal or unsafe behavior. Thankfully, workers in Phoenix, Arizona, are protected by statutes that prevent retaliation against whistleblowers. Learn more about what these federal and state laws have to say here.
1. Arizona Employment Protection Act (AEPA)
The Arizona Employment Protection Act (AEPA) protects workers from retaliation if they report illegal activity at their workplace. Under this law, your employer generally cannot punish you for:
- Reporting illegal activities to your supervisor or a government agency
- Refusing to do something illegal that your employer asks you to do
- Cooperating or testifying in investigations involving workplace misconduct
If your employer retaliates (such as by firing you or cutting your hours), you can take legal action under AEPA. If you win your case, you might receive money for lost wages and emotional stress.
This law is meant to give Arizona workers confidence to report illegal behavior without worrying about losing their jobs.
2. Protection Under Federal Whistleblower Laws
Federal laws also protect Arizona whistleblowers, especially when reporting certain kinds of misconduct. These laws add more protection to state laws and sometimes cover other issues as well.
Here are some examples of federal whistleblower laws:
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): OSHA protects employees who report unsafe or dangerous work conditions. For example, your employer cannot punish you for asking for a safety inspection.
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): This federal law protects workers who report financial fraud within publicly traded companies.
- False Claims Act (FCA): The FCA protects workers who report fraud involving government money. You’re protected from retaliation and could even get a financial reward if your report helps recover stolen government funds.
An experienced employment law attorney can help you better understand your rights and options under these and other laws.
3. Arizona Public and Private Employee Whistleblower Laws
Initially, Arizona law provided special protection for government workers, such as city, county, or state employees. This includes teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public employees. However, the state has since expanded its whistleblower laws to apply to private employees as well in many contexts.
While the AEPA offers broad protection for employees who report illegal activities, other Arizona laws extend whistleblower protections to specific job sectors and employment types, including both public- and private-sector workers.
Generally speaking, state laws prevent retaliation against workers who, for example:
- Report illegal activities, wasteful spending, or serious mismanagement
- Refuse to take part in illegal or unethical activities
- Assist or cooperate in official investigations about workplace misconduct
If you’re a public or private employee and your employer punishes you for speaking up, you can file a complaint. You could recover your job, lost pay, or other damages.
What To Do if You’re Retaliated Against at Work
If you report misconduct and your employer punishes you, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Write down everything that happens, including dates and times.
- Keep copies of emails, text messages, or other proof of retaliation.
- Report retaliation to HR or follow your company’s official reporting process.
- Contact a Phoenix employment lawyer to get advice right away.
Doing these things will help protect your rights and strengthen your case if you need to take legal action.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Employment Lawyer at Houk Employment Attorneys To Schedule a Consultation Today
You have the right to speak up about workplace misconduct without worrying about retaliation. If your employer punishes you for whistleblowing, contact Houk Employment Attorneys to schedule a consultation with a trusted Phoenix employment attorney.
For more information, please contact an experienced employment attorneys at Houk Employment Attorneys to schedule an initial consultation today. Our employment law firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in Phoenix, AZ.
Houk Employment Attorneys
1850 N Central Ave Suite 2010, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 569-2377
