Federal Anti-Retaliation Protections Extended to Criminal Antitrust Whistleblowers

APPLIES TO

All Employers

EFFECTIVE

December 23, 2020

QUESTIONS?

Contact HR On-Call

(888) 378-2456

The Criminal Anti-Retaliation Act of 2019 (the “Act”) prohibits employers from taking adverse actions in retaliation against individuals who report criminal antitrust violations to their employers or the federal government, and also protects individuals who participate in a federal investigation or proceeding related to criminal antitrust violations. Adverse actions include things like discharging, demoting, firing, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against individuals covered by the Act.

The Act applies to employees, contractors, subcontractors, or agents of an employer. Criminal antitrust violations include violations of Section 1 or 3 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Notably, an actual criminal prosecution is not required to trigger the anti-retaliation protections so long as the information contained in the whistleblower’s report would be a crime if the report were accurate, and the whistleblower reasonably believes the report involves a covered violation.

Individuals who successfully claim a violation of the Act may receive job reinstatement, back pay with interest, and special damages including reasonable attorney fees.

Action Items

  1. Have anti-retaliation policies updated as needed.
  2. Have appropriate personnel trained on anti-retaliation rules.
  3. Subscribers can call our HR On-Call Hotline at (888) 378-2456 for further assistance.

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

© 2021 ManagEase