Protected conduct.

§ 708.5 Protected conduct. An employee of a contractor may file a complaint against his employer alleging that he has been subject to retaliation for: (a) Disclosing to a DOE official, a member of Congress, any other government official who has responsibility for the oversight of the conduct of operations at a DOE site, the employer, or any higher tier contractor, information that he reasonably believes reveals— (1) A substantial violation of a law, rule, or regulation; (2) A substantial and specific danger to employees or to public health or safety; or (3) Fraud, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or abuse of authority; or (b) Participating in a Congressional proceeding or an administrative proceeding conducted under this part; or (c) Subject to § 708.7 of this subpart, refusing to participate in an activity, policy, or practice if the employee believed participation would— (1) Constitute a violation of a Federal health or safety law; or (2) Cause the employee to have a reasonable fear of serious injury to himself, other employees, or members of the public.