Arbitration Agreement Whistleblower: The Importance of Speaking Up

When you sign an arbitration agreement with your employer, you might think that you are giving up your right to sue them in court. But did you know that you might still be able to blow the whistle on illegal activities?

Whistleblowing refers to the act of reporting illegal or unethical behavior by a company or organization. As an employee, you have the right to report any such behavior without fear of retaliation or discrimination. In fact, many companies have policies in place to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

However, if you have signed an arbitration agreement, you might think that you have no legal recourse if you blow the whistle. That`s not necessarily true.

Arbitration agreements typically specify the types of disputes that can be resolved through arbitration. However, those agreements cannot waive your right to report illegal behavior to government agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In fact, some arbitration agreements specifically state that reporting illegal behavior to government agencies is allowed. Others may not address the issue at all, meaning that you still have the right to blow the whistle.

If you do decide to blow the whistle, it`s important to do so through the proper channels. You should report the illegal behavior to the appropriate government agency and follow their procedures for reporting. You may also want to consult with an attorney who specializes in whistleblower cases.

It`s important to note that blowing the whistle can be risky. You may face retaliation from your employer, such as being demoted or fired. However, if you have been retaliated against for blowing the whistle, you may have legal recourse. The law protects whistleblowers from retaliation, and you may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other damages.

In conclusion, if you have signed an arbitration agreement with your employer, don`t assume that you have no legal recourse if you witness illegal or unethical behavior. Whistleblowing is still an option, and you may be protected by the law. Just make sure to follow the proper channels and consult with an attorney if necessary. It`s important to speak up and do the right thing, even if it`s not always easy.