The state of Alabama follows at-will employment when it comes to firing employees. Many workers have no recourse if they are terminated. However, there are a few exceptions, such as termination on the basis of discrimination or harassment. Employees are also afforded protections for whistleblowing.
Protections for whistleblowers
Employees may be terminated for insufficient reasons in Alabama but they cannot face punishment or termination for reporting an employer’s discriminatory practices, violations of child labor laws, or violations of workers’ compensation laws.
The State Employee Protection Act affords additional protections for state employees. Protections are also extended to certain employees who are harassed by their employers or develop workplace illnesses.
Filing a claim
Alabama courts require employees file whistleblower claims within two years of the incident. The claim must fit under statutory protections set forth under state law.
At the federal level, whistleblowers are protected and compensated for reporting wrongful acts against the government. The False Claims Act allows whistleblowers to receive 15%-30% of the funds recovered by the government.