I'm facing retaliation
No one may threaten or retaliate against you for filing a report of illegal activity at work.
By retaliation we mean in particular::
- dismissal or immediate termination of employment,
- termination during the probationary period or non-renewal for an indefinite period,
- dismissal, demotion or refusal of promotion,
- a change in job duties, place of work or working hours,
- reduction of pay, non-award of pay or personal allowance,
- failure to provide training,
- disciplinary action,
- coercion, intimidation or harassment,
- defamation of reputation,
- withdrawal from a contract for the supply of goods and services,
- revocation of a licence or permit.
How to report retaliation to the Office
An employer who retaliates against a whistleblower for blowing the whistle on illegal conduct at work can be fined up to €100,000. Similarly, a penalty of up to €6,000 (up to a maximum of €12,000 for repeated violations within two years) can be imposed on an individual who threatened or attempted to sanction the whistleblower or carried out the act.
If you would like to report retaliationto us, or if you need advice onwhether retaliation is occurring in your case and how to proceed, please fill out the form below.
If you would like to speak to an Office lawyer by phone, please use our free helpline 0800 221 213.
Time availability of the free helpline:
Monday: 13:00 — 16:00
Tuesday: 9:00 — 12:00
Wednesday: 13:00 — 16:00
Thursday: 9:00 — 12:00
How to apply for suspension of an employment act
If you find yourself in a situation where your employer has taken an employment action against you that you disagree with and you see it as retaliation for reporting illegal activity at work, you can ask us to suspend the employment action within 15 days of becoming aware of it.
