A "whistleblower" is a person who reports illegal activity by his or her employer to governmental authorities. In order to help ensure employees speak up when they notice employer wrongdoing, laws have been put in place to protect "whistleblowers" from wrongful termination or retaliation by their employers. Retaliation may include: firing, demoting, refusing overtime, intimidation, reducing hours or reassignment of duties.

In Ohio, the Whistleblower Protection Act sets forth explicit instructions detailing how an employee must notify his or her company and the proper authorities of any illegal conduct, including when notifications must be made and to whom. If these instructions are not followed, the "whistleblower" may not be protected against termination or retaliation.

If you are have discovered illegal or improper conduct at your workplace, you should contact a qualified attorney knowledgeable in employment law and the Ohio Whistleblower Protection Act to ensure you understand and follow the necessary steps.

For more information, contact Columbus, Ohio Whistleblower Protection Lawyer Rayl L. Stepter.