Anti-retaliation / Whistleblower Policy

Florida’s Whistleblower Law prohibits retaliation. A private employer is prohibited from retaliating against an employee. See Fla. Stat. § 448.102. The Company endeavors to maintain an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Employees should feel comfortable reporting complaints or concerns about violations of Company policies or procedures or applicable laws without fear of reprisal.

In furtherance of this policy, the Company does not tolerate retaliation against any employee who in good faith makes a complaint or reports concerns about the workplace, or provides information or otherwise participates in an investigation or proceeding regarding complaints or concerns about the workplace.

The Company prohibits retaliation against employees who in good faith make complaints or report concerns—or who provide information or participate in investigations or proceedings—regarding workplace discrimination or harassment and/or workplace violations of, or non-compliance with, matters including, but not limited to, applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, Company policies, or Company procedures.

1. The Company will not retaliate against an employee who:
   • Objects to, or refuses to participate in, any activity, policy, or practice of the Company which is in violation of a Florida law, rule, or regulation.
   • Discloses or threatens to disclose to any appropriate governmental agency, under oath, in writing, an activity, policy, or practice of the Company that is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation, if the employee has, in writing, brought the activity, policy, or practice to the attention of a supervisor or the Company and has afforded the Company a reasonable opportunity to correct the activity, policy, or practice; or
   • Provided information to, or testified before, any appropriate governmental agency, person, or entity conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into an alleged violation of a law, rule, or regulation by the Company.

2. In compliance with the Florida Constitution, the Company prohibits retaliation against employees for exercising their rights to receive the minimum wage. Retaliation is prohibited against employees who:
   • File a complaint about the Company’s alleged noncompliance with lawful minimum wage requirements;
   • Inform any person about an employer’s alleged noncompliance with lawful minimum wage requirements; or
   • Inform any person of his or her potential rights under the Minimum Wage Amendment to the Florida State Constitution or to assist the individual in asserting such rights.

3. Retaliate means taking adverse action against an employee because the employee makes a complaint or reports concerns—or provides information or otherwise participates in an investigation or proceeding regarding complaints or concerns—regarding workplace discrimination or harassment and/or workplace violations of, or non-compliance with, matters including, but not limited to, applicable federal, state and local laws, Company policies, or Company procedures. Adverse actions can include, but are not limited to, demotion, denial of promotion, suspension without pay, termination, a decrease in an employee’s salary, other denials of benefits of employment to employees, and fostering of a hostile work environment.

4. If you feel you were subject to retaliation or are aware of retaliation against another employee, you should report this to the Report Retaliation to (e.g., Human Resources Department; or other department). This policy is not meant to impede you from bringing a claim to, or providing information to, appropriate governmental authorities regarding possible violations of state, local, or federal law, or making disclosures pursuant to whistleblower laws. It is also not intended to impede employees from discussing terms and conditions of employment with other employees.

5. Any employee who engages in retaliation or otherwise violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Acknowledgement

By working with It’s 4 the Kids, I acknowledge that I have received and read the Company’s Anti-retaliation Policy. I understand it and will abide by it. I understand that this policy is not an employment contract and does not change my status as an at-will employee.