Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: IL
I work for a 3rd party management firm and they have requested that we keep inaccurate records of financial information that is submitted to the ownership. Ownership is applying for loans and the banks have demanded that unless financials are at a certain %, they will not go through with the loans.
I am wondering what rights I have because I do not want to be dishonest #1 and I don't want this to backfire on me #2, and I also do not want to lose my job.
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
You need to refuse to commit fraud on behalf of your employer - plain and simple. If that means you quit, then you need to quit. I realize you don't want to lose your job. But that's what will happen if you are convicted of fraud. Because your employer is directing you to do something is not a shield, especially when you know it isn't morally right.
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
If you report this attempted fraud to the appropriate regulatory authorities (I don't know who this is but someone else here may be able to provide the right contact info, or you could call the police and see what they say), your job should be protected under the Whistleblowers' Protection Act. If your employer fires you anyway, you will be entitled to UI benefits + you will have a sound basis for a lawsuit.
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
Thank you for your responses. I am hoping someone could point me in the right direction of maybe who to report this to?
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
You should consult a plaintiff-side employment lawyer in your state about your possible whistle-blowing options, and to formulate a strategy in the event that your employer retaliates.
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
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Mr. Knowitall
You should consult a plaintiff-side employment lawyer in your state about your possible whistle-blowing options, and to formulate a strategy in the event that your employer retaliates.
Not at all sure you'll have whistle blower protections. But I would say, find out what happens when you tell them you don't feel comfortable doing this. If they say, "Do it, or be fired!" that's very different from your just up and quitting. But if they say, "That's okay, we just thought we'd ask. Do it as you want to." then some of your problems are solved for the time being. I would make big efforts to get straight away from anyone who asked me to do anything that was illegal or unethical, and if they fire you, so much the better. That's a very good reason to be approved for unemployment. But be sure that you have tried to solve the problem BEFORE quitting. If they don't, if they say, "oh, okay, whatever, " still be looking for another job because these are not people you wanted to be affiliated with on the long term.
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
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comment/ator
Not at all sure you'll have whistle blower protections.
That will depend upon the full facts, which are not presently known to us. A legal consultation will remove any ambiguity.
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
I'm wondering what OP means by wanting him to keep inaccurate books. It also depends on what type of company this might be, manufacturing, supply, financial, etc. Changing accounting methods or inventory accounting or moving up a delivery does not in it's self make inaccurate books.
Sounds like the intent is to make the company look more profitable. Now that can be a double edged sward come tax time.
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
I went against what was demanded of me and did the right thing and received a text message from the supervisor saying "I told you not to _______________" basically without disclosing to much, they have asked us to show past accounts as current so that total numbers are higher.
I'm definitely going to consult an attorney. Thank you
Re: Asked By My Employer to Doctor Books
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mzn12
I went against what was demanded of me and did the right thing and received a text message from the supervisor saying "I told you not to _______________" basically without disclosing to much, they have asked us to show past accounts as current so that total numbers are higher.
I'm definitely going to consult an attorney. Thank you
Keep that text and anything else they send you, take good notes, time/date/place etc.
Good luck