Telling Somebody At Work

A Virginia employer may not discharge, discipline, threaten, discriminate against or penalize an employee, or retaliate in their pay, terms, location or privileges, because the employee does any of the following.

• §Va. Code 40.1-27.3

• In good faith reports a violation of federal or state law or regulation to a supervisor, a governmental body or a law enforcement official, or has someone report it on the employee's behalf.
• Is asked by a governmental body or law enforcement official to take part in an investigation, hearing or inquiry.
• Refuses to engage in a criminal act that would expose the employee to criminal liability.
• Refuses an order to perform an action that violates federal or state law or regulation, and tells the employer that is why.
• Provides information to or testifies before a governmental body or law enforcement official investigating the employer.

• §Va. Code 40.1-27.3

The limits. The section does not authorize disclosing data otherwise protected by law or privilege, or statements made knowing they are false or in reckless disregard of the truth.

• §Va. Code 40.1-27.3

Federal statutes protect reports in particular fields, such as workplace safety, securities and federal contracts, with their own agencies and deadlines, and are not on this page. Whether a particular report was protected, and whether what followed was retaliation for it, are questions for a licensed Virginia attorney.

• §Va. Code 40.1-27.3