Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington
Workplace discrimination
I am currently employed with the state. Several months ago I openly posed questions and concerns about issues that put into question the actions of upper management of this institution which could be possible violations of state and federal regulations. Soon after I noticed that, emails from various areas of this operation have ceased or are very general and short. Communication in this manner is important in my job as well as a means to document things but I believe that my bringing up important concerns and issues has pegged me as possible whistle blower. They now insist on passing most information verbally in person or on the phone, or even bypassing me altogether. Is this something of concern and does it have any legal bearing at all? Thank you very much.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Workplace discrimination
I'm sorry that I didn't see your posting sooner, or I would have replied sooner. I worked for 21 years for the state myself, and finally left since I couldn't stand it anymore.
You didn't say to whom you brought up these concerns, or how you brought them up. These two things, if done wrong, could have resulted in others being more cautious around you. Can you ask any coworkers whether you've been left off of grouplists?
One thing you may want to do is go to lunch or coffee with your supervisor and ask how you are perceived, and what you can do to improve professionally.
As an FYI, in most cases, to "count" as an official whistleblowing action, you need to blow the whistle to the state auditor's office. Just standing in the lunchroom saying "blah, blah, blah" does not count. Going to the auditor gives you the most protection from retaliation.
What agency do you work for?
Merry A. Kogut
keypeninsulalaw.com
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