How Should I Handle Potential Retaliation from Wipro After Reporting Non-Compliance?

I would like to get some expert advice on how I should proceed in my case. I joined Wipro in 2008 and am still working there. I was promoted as an ASG in Wipro BPO after a year of being in a calling role. I have been working in the organization as an ASG since then.

Initial Non-Compliance and Escalation

It all started when I noticed non-compliance in Wipro BPO regarding policy adherence. I raised an Ombuds in 2009, resulting in the removal of the Manager of HP KV and the Tech Lead. However, by escalating the issue, I fell out of favor with the company.

Over time, the management consistently mistreated me in ways that are difficult to quantify. I raised my second Ombuds escalation for Industrial Injury Leave, which was addressed correctly, leading to changes in the process. Once again, I found myself in the spotlight as a whistleblower.

Further Discoveries and Investigations

In October, I discovered severe non-compliance on the floor and anonymously informed my AVP via email, triggering another Ombuds investigation. The management attempted to protect their managers, but eventually, agents, an ASG, and a Team Leader were implicated. The situation escalated to involve Wipro Legal Cell, resulting in the Tech Lead and Manager being found at fault while the Team Leader was deemed innocent. I assisted the Ombuds team during the investigation. This marked the second instance where a Manager was removed due to my escalation.

Subsequently, I uncovered an agent selling their own software during calls for our process. After investigating and reporting to management, both agents were terminated for integrity violations. Once again, I was involved.

Ongoing Non-Compliance Issues

From October 2014 until now, I have identified four major instances of non-compliance on the floor. I began sharing data with the Legal and Compliance Team, sending emails from an external domain to the entire floor. Although I was right to address non-compliance within my process, my actions caused disruption as the floor struggled to meet targets for six months.

A client escalation involving a member of my team provided management with an opportunity to dismiss me. An SIR was raised against me, leading to an internal audit that concluded both of us should resign. Despite the lack of proof against the girl involved, this was seized as an opportunity by Wipro to remove me.

Seeking Legal Advice

When I approached Wipro Legal Cell, they assured me via email that I would not face retribution or retaliation. I have requested a reinvestigation as I fear being dismissed by Wipro.

My question is, if Wipro asks me to resign after the investigation, can I file a case for harassment, retaliation, and retribution? I believe I am being framed and targeted due to my involvement in several escalations that led to action against Wipro's managers.

I am still with Wipro BPO. Please advise on how to proceed if Wipro requests my resignation.

Thank you.

Dear Luv Barman,

It appears that Wipro BPO has employees who are as crooked as a dog's hind leg. Though their percentage may be minuscule, it is sufficient to generate scams and scandals.

You have unearthed so many malpractices in the company. But there is a difference. When some journalist makes an exposé, he/she is out of the system. Though there are some hazards to his/her life, the exposé does not impact his/her career. In contrast, you are part of the system. Now, what you are facing is the system's backlash. A path of honesty is always fraught with risk. If you live in the river, you should make friends with the crocodile, says the famous proverb.

The predicament you are in is not new. Famous IAS Officer Ashok Khemka brought to the fore the land deals of the first political family of a prominent political party in the state of Haryana. He invited the wrath of the authorities. After the recently held state elections, the government of a new political party came in, but his ordeal continued. He has been transferred 45 times in his 23-year career.

A person who brings scams to the fore should have been transferred to the vigilance department or intelligence department. Far from doing so, your company's authorities are insisting you put down the papers. However, at this stage, you need to do some covert activities as well. Whenever authorities insist on putting down papers, resist the pressure but at the same time try recording their voice. You need to have some evidence at hand.

Involving you in a sexual harassment case is not new. To get rid of unwanted persons, this is the oldest method. If it was tried on Lord Gautam Buddha, then where do we, the ordinary mortals, stand? You could have been a little more careful.

Are you prepared for the litigation? Talk to some lawyer and find out whether the court can issue an injunction order to stay your termination. Check whether the lawyer can find flaws in the inquiry. Check whether you can file a defamation suit against the woman employee.

Whatever is happening with you is unfortunate. It should not have happened. But then, corruption is like an octopus. When you try to fight one tentacle, another one attacks you. We do not have the power to fight all the tentacles at a time.

Another problem is that your company is too big. Employees are small fish in a sea. They are faceless. In contrast, there are benefits to working in an owner-driven company. Owners have their whims and fancies, but the commonality amongst them is that they value honest employees. Possibly, you would have been rewarded for your honesty.

I wish you all the best and hope you come clean. Hope this challenge blows over soon.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Dinesh, Thank you so much for the reply. Nine months ago, I understood that one day Wipro would dismiss me by framing me within their policies. Hence, all these non-compete and fraudulent activities were sent to the managers via an email from yahoo.com. Since my emails were genuine, the AVP and Wipro legal cell have also responded to them. Wipro's legal cell sent me an email stating that if I face any retaliation or retribution, they will assist. Therefore, I have sent them an email to resolve this matter. If they are unable to do so, I will take legal action for harassment, mental torture, and will expose their actions.

Regards, Luv

Standing Your Ground: Navigating Workplace Challenges

Decline to put down your papers. On what grounds can they ask you to leave? You need to contest if this happens. Put the whole series of events in writing and raise it to the highest level. I am sure people like your Honorable chairman are honest to the core, and if the matter reaches him, the response will be different. You must leave WIPRO after proving your words and actions, with your head held high.

The Whistleblower's Dilemma

Whistleblowers are always disliked and kept out of the mainstream so that they cannot harm the system, which works contrary to the law or laid-down policies in the quest for more profit. Sexual harassment complaints will always leave you with an Achilles' heel and will haunt you even after you leave your present employer. But if your facts are right and your conduct is up to the mark, don't surrender to the motivated actions of a few.

Regards