Before gaining protection under the Wisconsin whistleblower law, a state employee must make a disclosure of information in writing, typically to his or her supervisor. “Information” means information gained by the employee which the employee reasonably believes demonstrates:
(a) A violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation.
(b) Mismanagement or abuse of authority in state or local government, a substantial waste of public funds or a danger to public health and safety.
“Mismanagement” means a pattern of incompetent management actions which are wrongful, negligent or arbitrary and capricious and which adversely affect the efficient accomplishment of an agency function. “Mismanagement” does not mean the mere failure to act in accordance with a particular opinion regarding management techniques. Thus, only disclosures of “information” that meet the statutory criteria qualify for protection under the whistleblower law. Contact Wisconsin State Employee Whistleblower Lawyers at the office of Alan C. Olson & Associates today. Call 888-843-1261 for a confidential consultation.
Remedies under the Wisconsin whistleblower statute include loss of pay, benefits, reimbursement of attorney’s fees and litigation costs.
