Senators Reintroduce Bill To Protect Antitrust Whistleblowers

On July 22, 2015, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that aims to protect whistleblowing employees who report antitrust violations from retaliation by their employers. The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act of 2015 would prohibit employers from retaliating against an employee, contractor, subcontractor, or agent who provides information regarding possible violations of criminal antitrust law to either the employer or the Department of Justice. An employee need only "reasonably believe" that a violation of law has occurred. The Act would also protect employees who participate in investigations or proceedings relating to antitrust laws. Employees who planned or initiated the antitrust violation would not be covered by this legislation.