Whistleblower Law Protection Act Public Dishonest Government Action

A "whistleblower" is someone who tells the media or the public about something wrong or dishonest that a company, government agency, or individual has done, especially when the action is against the law. Whistleblowers might be so "shocked" (surprised in a negative way) by what they have "witnessed" (seen or heard) that they want the rest of the world to know about it. But "blowing the whistle" (telling the truth about some hidden, dishonest activity) can be "risky" (with danger) for the whistleblower. Often whistleblowers risk losing their job or, in some cases, could even be "putting their life in danger" (doing something that brings a risk of death).

Whistleblowers "commonly" (often; typically) come forward to share information about illegal actions or the acceptance of bribes. In some cases, they are reporting about a "waste" (poor use) of "funds" (money). Other whistleblowers are sharing information about "safety code" (rules designed to keep people safe) "violations" (rule-breaking) that "endangers" (puts in danger) public health.

The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 is a law that protects whistleblowers to "encourage" (help something to happen) to "come forward" (tell the truth when it is difficult or dangerous to do so). Any "authority" (person or organization with power) that "threatens" (says that something bad will happen; warns) to "take action against" (do something negative to) a whistleblower is violating the law.

However, even when the law is "enforced" (making people follow a law) as it should be, the whistleblower is in a difficult situation. The company or agency might not be allowed to tell the whistleblower to leave, but the workplace is probably an uncomfortable environment for anyone who has "tattled on" (said that someone has done something wrong) colleagues.