People who understand the consequences of these actions are more willing to complain about improprieties. Blowing the whistle on the employer might make it very difficult for the employer to terminate the employee for fear that a claim for retaliatory termination might be made. Any trust or camaraderie that formerly existed is often lost. Delays for many years are not uncommon. The reputation of a whistle-blower often becomes known in the industry.
Few employers feel comfortable hiring an employee who has such a reputation.
Employers harass, intimidate, threaten, retaliate and discriminate against whistle-blowers. It may be obvious or very subtle, such as imposing a higher standard of performance to encourage resignation. Demotion, missing work because of stress or loss of job causes loss of income and possible debt. It is unfortunate that stress is a result of the presence of illegalities in the workplace or the attempt to eliminate it. Both the whistle-blower and the family will suffer.