Alabama Code Title 25, Industrial Relations and Labor § 25-8-57 is in place to stop supervisors from acting in retaliation when any state employee has reported a violation of rule, regulation, or law. These protections generally apply to reports that happened either in an affidavit form or while under oath.

Below are some important things to know about the whistleblower protection statute. If you are ever placed in a position where a violation should be reported with a potential whistleblower claim, it's crucial to be aware of how you're protected.

To whom the law applies

The law applies to any individual in a position to retaliate against the whistleblower. Specifically, the chapter refers to employers as well as the agents of those employers. This includes people such as supervisors, managers, and other administrative staff.

What behavior is illegal?

Alabama's whistleblower protection statute prohibits any form of disciplinary action against a worker for refusing to obey an order that was illegal. It also protects those who disclose information that the statute itself doesn't prohibit them from disclosing.

People are protected by Alabama Code Title 25 when they have to challenge or reveal violations that are specified within the chapter. This is a protection that extends to anybody who makes whistleblower claims: former employees, current employees, and even applicants.

Some of the most common forms of discrimination that Title 25 protects workers from include:

• Blacklisting
• Threats
• Harassment
• Disciplinary action

Alabama's whistleblower protection statute prohibits discrimination against a person for opposing a practice or act that was rendered illegal by the statute. This includes testifying in court, at a hearing or proceeding, or otherwise assisting in an investigation.