Whistleblower Protections For Unions

Summary

Whistleblower protections in ohio and west virginia safeguard employees reporting illegal activities. Ohio’s law covers unlawful acts, while west virginia’s law protects public and some private employees. Retaliation is prohibited in both states. Consult a labor attorney for specific guidance.

Full Conversation

I am currently the union president of my fire departments union and I had an issue brought up to me and after conversing with union members- there was one person who had written a statement against me and when I was questioned regarding this I was told that if I don’t tell management who said what that I would be responsible for it. I am questioning the legality of this as I was told this could possibly be a whistleblower policy?
Hey ****! It sounds like a tricky situation. In Ohio, whistleblower laws protect individuals who report illegal activities from retaliation. Here are a few points to consider:
- Ohio’s Whistleblower Protection Act may apply if the statement involves reporting unlawful activities.
- Union members are generally protected when acting in their official capacity.
- You might want to consult with a labor attorney to explore your rights and obligations further.
Is there any specific aspect of this situation you’d like more information on?
What about West Virginia?
In West Virginia, whistleblower protections are also in place. Here are some key points:
- West Virginia's Whistleblower Law protects employees who report illegal activities or violations of public policy.
- The law applies to public employees and certain private sector employees.
- Retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited.
If you have specific concerns about your situation, consulting with a labor attorney familiar with West Virginia laws may be beneficial.