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| | | Forum Member
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/9/2008 3:58:10 PM
Posts: 42, Visits: 44 |
| | I have been in contact for many years with a close friend who is employed at a Government type POTW which has contracted administration and direction services by a non government engineering firm. Like many his interests as a civil servant go beyond a simple paycheck and self satisfaction as well as responsibility play a great part. Over many years my friend had shared with me what seems to be some seroius engineering errors and financial obligations for substandard and often non functioning finished projects which typically run from fifty to one hundred fifty percent over budget. I will not go into detail as promised nor will I use names. From some of the details provided in my mind he is correct in his concerns as well as most of the other individuals employed at the facility. Employees fear confrontation or accusations of any of the issues will result in termination. Some have researched the "whistle blower laws" but mentioned they only protect Federal employees. Any advice from others whom may have dealt with similar issues on confronting this would be appricated. |
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| | | Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/26/2008 10:40:45 AM
Posts: 46, Visits: 45 |
| | By using the terminology "confronting this" leads me to gather your friend wants to take action yet also wants to remain employed by a firm that he believes has engaged in questionable practices in the past. My advice would be to begin seeking new employment. If they are unethical in business practices why would one thing they would be ethical in personnel practices? |
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| | | Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/14/2008 1:24:13 PM
Posts: 487, Visits: 1,446 |
| | If it's criminal activity then it is your obligation to tell law enforcement. By keeping quiet you could be guilty yourself. Any Government agency has a Whistle Blowers regulation. Of course, if you work for a City then it may be a different story. My advice to you is to seek legal council before you do anything. |
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| | | Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/12/2008 12:23:13 PM
Posts: 250, Visits: 3,172 |
| | When you're a little guy, it's a perilous position to be in. I've frequently lost out in informal bidding rounds because I made it clear that I wasn't willing to cheat and discharge dirty water. This has been termed as being "lacking in initiative." Jeb Magruder had that kind of "initiative"...look what happened to him. When I have, in the past, been placed in ethically questionable positions, I make copies galore, keep records, etc. to make it very plain that it wasn't my idea. I have never had to use these files...they're for defensive purposes only. But, god help anybody who tries to make me their fall guy...they'll wind up doing time. It is very nice and sounds very morally upright to say that you'll quit if anyone even mentions anything slightly bent. After you succumb to malnutrition, maybe they'll put up a statue to you in the park. When you're smart and willing to work an 85 hour week, you don't have to bend the rules. http://www.dedalusenviro.com
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/16/2007 2:40:53 PM
Posts: 1, Visits: 4 |
| | I'm not entirely clear whether he's working for the private engineering firm or the government but assume the engineering firm, and of course I can't know how the firm/project he's working for is organized from this description, but would expect the client (assume federal govenment) will have a project manager who is responsible for oversite of the contracted engineer. I'd expect that Sr Managers with the engineering firm would hope he could speak to his project manager or principal in charge for his company to share his concerns in a relatively non-confrontational way, expressing his concerns and checking his perceptions. They should look to protect and keep the employee while addressing his perceptions as well as real problems that may exist. But if the style of project management and/or culture on site is such that he is in fear for his employment, then it may make sense to discuss his concerns with the government's project manager, who if the employee is honest and genuine, should also endeavor to protect the employee with his company. Ultimately the most productive approach, assuming there are real problems, and the employee's perceptions are accurate, would be for the company and the government's project manager to meet and jointly put together a plan to address these problems going forward. Ultimately the government's project manager can move to replace the engineering firm if they do not perform and is likely in a position to protect the employee. That's how things should work but of course specifics of the personnel and organizations involved may bear on how he might best approach things as well. If he wants to hedge his bets he can work on finding alternate employment but before he pulls the trigger on any offer go forward to constructively confront the perceived situation with his employer and as needed the client. In this way he may be pleasantly surprised and get to keep his job in an improved work situation, or if his fears bear out and it does not work out for him on site, he'll have a ready fall back. |
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