Tell the Labor Dept: Protect Public Interest Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are essential in protecting the public from unsafe or unethical practices, but they too often face retaliation for speaking out. 

A recent case in Florida shows just how vulnerable these individuals are. An employee at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) raised alarms about a dangerous plan to convert a state office building into a luxury golf resort without proper safety and environmental assessments. Instead of addressing his valid concerns, the whistleblower was fired.

This is not an isolated case. Whistleblowers from Boeing, who exposed life-threatening safety issues, have faced similar retaliation. The Department of Labor has the power under the Whistleblower Protection Act to protect these individuals, but it must act more aggressively to ensure whistleblowers are shielded from career-damaging consequences.

Whistleblowers serve as the public’s eyes and ears, alerting us to potential disasters before they happen. 

When the Department of Labor fails to defend these brave individuals, critical risks remain unchecked, endangering the public. 

The agency must investigate retaliation claims and ensure that whistleblowers like the Florida DEP employee are not punished for their courage. Protecting those who speak up is essential to maintaining public safety and accountability.

As one whistleblower advocate stated, “When whistleblowers are silenced, we all pay the price.”

Sign our petition urging the Department of Labor to fulfill its responsibility under the Whistleblower Protection Act and take immediate action to protect whistleblowers.