What does "whistleblower protection" refer to?

The term "whistleblower protection" specifically refers to legal safeguards that are provided to individuals who report illegal or unethical practices within an organization. This protection is designed to encourage employees and others to come forward with information about wrongdoing without fear of retaliation, such as job loss or harassment. By ensuring that whistleblowers can safely report misconduct, these protections play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in organizations.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the definition of whistleblower protection. While salary requests and protections for volunteer workers or shareholders may involve other types of legal considerations, they do not focus on the disclosure of unethical or illegal activities. Hence, the correct answer effectively captures the essence of the purpose behind whistleblower protection legislation.