Federal Government Whistleblower Act

A whistleblower reports illegal activites.

The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) shields federal employees that disclose illegal or immoral activities in their workplace, also known as "whistleblowing." The Whistleblower Protection Act covers federal employees that have a personal action taken against them because of whistleblowing activities.

History

Congress protected federal employees for whistleblowing.

Congress passed the Whistleblower Protection Act in 1989. In March, 2007, Congress enacted the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act that strengthened the protections and extended coverage to national security employees.

What's protected?

Federal employees can report illegal activities without fear of job loss.

The act spells out the type of information covered. It states that "any disclosure of information" is covered. The employee must have "reasonable belief" that the disclosure is true.The disclosure must be about a broken law, gross mismanagement or evidence.

Protections

Promotions should not be affected by whistleblowing.

The WPA protects employees that engage in whistleblowing. It covers against personal actions that result directly from those activities. A personal action is one of 11 possible areas. Losing promotions, appointments and transfers are examples.

Complaints

Employees that feel whistleblowing impacted a personal action decision can file an appeal with Merit Systems Protection Board and with the Office of Special Counsel, where the employee can receive retribution and the employer can be punished.

References

• CRS Report for Congress: Whistleblower Protection act