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Assisting Employees in Whistleblower Retaliation Suits

Posted June 29, 2018

According to The Verge, a former New Jersey Tesla employee lost his job for reporting illegal business practices.

Tesla is fighting back against the employee’s allegations of wrongdoing, which claim that Tesla knowingly sold defective cars referred to as “lemons” by those in the company. However, the employee received two demotions before his termination. Also, Tesla disputes the claimed that the employee received termination because of his vocalizations to his supervisors; regarding Tesla’s participation in a massive cover up of defective cars. But solely due to poor work performance.
New Jersey Whistleblower Protection Act
The employee is now suing Tesla under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA). Likewise, the plaintiff is arguing that because he reported on lawbreaking activity CEPA’s whistleblower protections should apply to him. In fact, New Jersey’s whistleblower protection act applies to any employee who reports to a supervisor or authority any employer action that the employee believes to be illegal, whether it is illegal or not. These protections are a safeguard society against employers from taking shortcuts or using deception that hurts their customers, shareholders, the environment, or society at large.

Protections Under the Act

The goal of the New Jersey Whistleblower Protection Act is to stop corruption. Under the Act, employees can do the following without fear of being legally fired, demoted, or otherwise retaliated against:
  • File a whistleblower lawsuit against their employer on behalf of the federal government;
  • Speak up about employer wrongdoing;
  • Refuse to take part in illegal actions encouraged or condoned by their employer; and
  • Cooperate with any investigation involving their employer’s potential wrongdoing.
  • Termination;
  • Demotion;
  • Forced to change departments or work location;
  • Reduced salary or wages;
  • Reduced working hours;
  • Hostile work environment;
  • Employer harassment;
  • Any other non-beneficial employment decision.

Reach Out to a Red Bank Workplace Retaliation Attorney Today

Workplace retaliation is illegal whether it happens overnight with a swift firing, or over the course of months or years through demotions. Two examples include exclusion and harassment by your employer or coworkers. If you received retaliation you deserve to be financially compensated for your damages. For instance, if you have filed a whistleblower lawsuit against your employer, participated in an investigation into their wrongdoing, or reported against what you perceived to be illegal practices; damages apply.
For unmatched legal assistance, call the experienced Red Bank workplace retaliation lawyers at Foss, San Filippo & Milne, LLC. today at (732) 741-2525.