Rhode Island Updates to the Whistleblower Protection Act
The state of Rhode Island protects whistleblowers from retaliation through certain protections, relief and available damages for improper discharge or other discriminatory acts. Rhode Island has amended the state’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act in several ways.
First, the term employee has been expanded to include both applicants and prospective employees. Second, the law now specifies that an employer shall not report or threaten to report an employee’s immigration status to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other immigration agency or law enforcement agency including local and state police. Third, the Relief & Damages section has been updated to change damages from actual to treble damages allowed. Finally, a notice requirement had already existed but now it has been specified that the notice must be posted in all languages known to be spoken by employees.
Recent Posts
-
Worker Protections Under the Pump Act
Update: May 9, 2023According to the DOL, previous versions of the FLSA Notice will no longer fulfi …May 4th 2023 -
What to Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
Starting June 27, 2023, a new law known as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) will come into e …May 4th 2023 -
The 'Why' and 'How' of Labor Law Postings
Labor laws within the United States have come a long way since the Organic Act of 1913 was signe …Feb 16th 2023
