New research undertaken by trade unions has revealed alarming data about workplace whistleblowing in France.
TheUGICT-CGT – the Union of Engineers, Managers, and Technicians – General Confederation of Labour – published the 2024 Barometer report, which explores the experiences of management professionals and executives across France.
The findings suggest widespread abuses and a stifling culture of silence and retaliation against whistleblowers. Despite a growing desire to report misconduct, fear of reprisals is preventing many from speaking out.
Key Highlights:
- 80% of managers feel an obligation to act fairly towards their employer, but 26% have witnessed unethical or illegal behavior.
- Over half (55%) of those who observed misconduct did not report it due to fear of retaliation.
- A staggering 48% of whistleblowing executives face retaliation, with this figure reaching 82% among younger executives aged 18-29.
- Trade unions are being urged to take a stronger stance in supporting whistleblowers, particularly by improving awareness of legal protections.
France’s whistleblowing laws – previously the Sapin II law, and now the Waserman Act (legislation adopted in 2022 to implement the EU Directive on Whistleblowing) – are designed to protect whistleblowers but remain poorly understood by both employees and employers.
Reporting on the findings, whistleblower protection NGO Maison des Lanceurs d’Alerte (MLA) said:
“Indeed, several whistleblowers accompanied by the MLA express concerns about the support they have received from certain trade union actors, revealing that they are not sufficiently equipped in terms of the right to whistleblowing. Although the Waserman Act does not designate them as external authorities, they can nevertheless play a crucial role in defending whistleblowing workers.
To address the issues identified in the research, the MLA recommends that trade unions in France consider:
- Enhanced training on legislative developments, particularly the Waserman Act.
- Focus on improving workplace ‘speak-up’ cultures.
- Provision of active support for members blowing the whistle at work.
To learn more about the research, see here