Topics Map > 17. Dispute Resolution > 17.04 Whistleblower Law

Whistleblower Law

This policy provides information on the applicability of the Whistleblower Law contained in Wis. Stat. Chapter 230 to UW–Madison employees.
Functional Owner

Office of Human Resources (OHR)

Executive Sponsor

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (VCFA)

Policy Contact

OHR/Workforce Relations (WR)

Policy Summary

UW–Madison employees, except for those exceptions listed in in Wis. Stat. § 230.80(3), may not be retaliated against for disclosing information regarding a violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation, mismanagement or abuse of authority in state or local government, substantial waste of public funds, or a danger to public health or safety.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to all university employees as defined in Wis. Stat. § 230.80(3), including faculty, academic staff, university staff employees, and most limited employees.

Rationale

To protect UW–Madison employees from retaliation for disclosing information regarding a violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation, mismanagement or abuse of authority in state or local government, substantial waste of public funds, or a danger to public health or safety.

Policy Detail

The law states that an employee of the State of Wisconsin, including UW–Madison employees, except for certain exceptions listed in § 230.80(3), may not be retaliated against for disclosing information regarding a violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation, mismanagement or abuse of authority in state or local government, substantial waste of public funds or a danger to public health or safety. An employee may disclose information to any other person. However, before disclosing information to anyone other than an attorney, collective bargaining representative or legislature, the employee must do one of the following: disclose the information in writing to the employee's supervisor, or disclose the information in writing to an appropriate governmental unit designated by the Equal Rights Division, a division of the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Individuals may file a complaint within 60 days after the retaliation or threat of retaliation occurred.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

The Whistleblower law prohibits the University from taking any retaliatory disciplinary action against an employee who has made a protected disclosure. If an employee believes he or she has been the subject of retaliation, they may file a written complaint with the Equal Rights Division of the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, see Wis. Stat. 230.80, Definitions, and DWD chapter 224.02, Definitions

Link to Current Policy

https://kb.wisc.edu/ohr/policies/page.php?id=53049

Links to Related Policies

Whistleblower Policy – Research

RARC Whistleblower Policy and Posting

Links to Policy History

Unclassified Personnel Policies and Procedures, Chapter 17.03

Classified Personnel Policies and Procedures, Chapter 17.02



KeywordsWhistleblower Law   Doc ID53049
OwnerJonathan D.GroupHR Policies
Created2015-06-22 16:31:22Updated2019-09-30 16:39:51
SitesHR Policies
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