As the election cycle continues to wind its way through our tv shows and newspapers, an unexpected element has been introduced into the usual media frenzy: whistleblower rights in the Michigan House of Representatives.
According to two former staffers, they were fired from their jobs after they had exposed an affair between their bosses, ex-Reps. Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat. One of the two staffers also alleges in the federal complaint that he was pressured to send a sexually explicit email on government time.
Additional retaliation alleged by the staffers includes:
- Publication of the staffers’ Social Security numbers
- The release of unrelated work emails to embarrass the staffers
- The circulation of rumors that the staffers would “plead the Fifth” in any investigation
Employees facing retaliation for their whistleblowing efforts need to know their rights. One approach to whistleblowing: hire an attorney to advise you during your decision-making process.
An attorney can help you perform your whistleblowing in accordance with the complicated laws that apply. In addition, that same attorney can then defend your rights should your employer retaliate.
We invite your questions about this difficult subject. If you need to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your own whistleblower situation, please contact us.