Pennsylvania Whistleblower Protections
All Pennsylvania citizens are protected by state and federal whistleblower laws. We have provided information about many of the laws in Pennsylvania below. For more information about federal laws, click here.
Government Employees
Statutes specifically protecting government whistleblowers
Whistleblower Law (Public Employees), 43 P.S. Sec. 1421 to 28
Parties Protected By Statute
43 P.S. ß 1422:
A person who performs a service for wages or other remuneration under a contract of hire, written or oral, express or implied, for a public body.
Protected Actions Under Statute
43 P.S. ß 1422
A person who witnesses or has evidence of wrongdoing or waste while employed and who makes a good faith report of the wrongdoing or waste, verbally or in writing, to one of the person’s superiors, to an agent of the employer or to an appropriate authority.
Specific Remedies Authorized By Statute
43 P.S. ß 1422
(a) CIVIL ACTION.– A person who alleges a violation of this act may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for appropriate injunctive relief or damages, or both, within 180 days after the occurrence of the alleged violation.
Protection of Public Utility Employees, 66 Pa.C.S. Sec. 3316
Parties Protected By Statute
66 Pa.C.S. ß 3316 (2008)
A person who performs a service for wages or other remuneration under a contract of hire, written or oral, express or implied, for a public utility.
Protected Actions Under Statute
66 Pa.C.S. ß 3316.
No employer may discharge, threaten or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against an employee regarding the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location or privileges of employment because the employee or a person acting on behalf of the employee made or was about to make a good faith report, verbally or in writing, to the employer, the commission, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate or the Office of Attorney General on an instance of wrongdoing or waste.
Specific Remedies Authorized By Statute
66 Pa.C.S. ß 3316 (2008)
A person who alleges a violation of this section may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for appropriate injunctive relief or damages, or both, within 180 days after the occurrence of the alleged violation.