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Difference between revisions of "CFTC Whistleblower Program"
→CFTC Whistleblower Awards
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| [https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/7767-18 $240,000] || May 20, 2014 || On May 20, 2014, the CFTC announced its first-ever whistleblower award of $240,000 for providing “specific, timely and credible information.” | | [https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/7767-18 $240,000] || May 20, 2014 || On May 20, 2014, the CFTC announced its first-ever whistleblower award of $240,000 for providing “specific, timely and credible information.” | ||
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== '''Protections Against Whistleblower Retaliation'''== | |||
Whistleblowers are also afforded substantial protection against retaliation. Specifically, '''an employer may not “discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, directly or indirectly, or in any manner discriminates against, a whistleblower” for legally reporting wrongdoing.''' In the event that an employer retaliates against a whistleblower, the law provides for substantial relief. This may include reinstatement, back pay, and compensation for related expenses such as litigation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. | |||
A whistleblower is entitled to this protection even if they do not receive a reward. The anti-retaliation provision applies to any whistleblower who possesses “a reasonable belief that the information the whistleblower is providing relates to a possible violation of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), or the rules or regulations thereunder, that has occurred, is ongoing, or is about to occur.” | |||
The CFTC can take enforcement action against an employer that “retaliates against a whistleblower by discharge, demotion, suspension, direct or indirect threats or harassment, or any other manner of discrimination” because the whistleblower provided “information to the Commission after reporting the information through internal whistleblower, legal or compliance procedures.” 17 C.F.R. 165.20(b). | |||