An employee is sometimes protected against retaliation for making reports of improper company conduct or improper conduct by another employee. While other laws pertaining to discrimination or retaliation may also apply, the key question in these cases is what constitutes whistleblowing. In Oregon, an employee may be protected for reporting either internally (within the company) or externally (for example to a government agency) a matter involving the company or conduct within the company that the employee believes is illegal. “Illegal” means that a law or agency regulation is being violated, or at least that the employee believes is being violated.