Whistleblower Protection: Determining Whether Reprisal Occurred Remains Difficult
GGD-93-3
Published: Oct 27, 1992. Publicly Released: Nov 30, 1992.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the processing of whistleblower reprisal complaints and the Office of Special Counsel's (OSC) protection of whistleblowers from reprisals.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress may wish to consider amending the whistleblower statutes (5 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) to require agencies, with OSC guidance, to inform employees periodically on their right to protection from reprisal and where to report misconduct. |
Closed – Implemented
|
On October 29, 1994, Congress enacted Public Law 103-424 to reauthorize the Office of Special Counsel and to make changes to the whistleblower program, including the recommended change to make agency heads responsible for ensuring that their employees are informed of whistleblower rights and remedies. |
Full Report
GAO Contacts
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Federal employeesFederal personnel lawLegal rightsPersonnel managementWhistleblowersGovernment employeesSpecial counselDisciplinary actionsCivil serviceIndividual retirement accounts