Retaliation is a big problem in the workplace. Multiple state and federal laws protect employees who report retaliatory behavior. A “protected activity” can include filing a complaint, testifying, or participating in an investigation. Retaliation can also take the form of a demotion, salary reduction, or negative job evaluations. Learn more about retaliation laws.
Retaliation is illegal, and it can cost companies thousands of dollars in lost wages and benefits. Employees may be able to prove that they were fired in retaliation for complaining about illegal corporate behavior or for participating in an EEOC investigation.
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Retaliation is a form of discrimination
Almost all federal and state employment laws contain provisions that make it illegal for an employer to retaliate against employees who exercise legal rights. This includes filing a complaint about workplace discrimination or harassment, asking for accommodation of a disability or religious practice, or simply reporting harassment to a manager or co-worker. Retaliation can also include getting a bad performance evaluation, being passed over for a promotion or raise, and even being denied hours or pay.
Intentional exclusion from meetings, training, and other work events is another common form of retaliation. Being reassigned to less-favorable shifts that cause undue hardship for childcare or family obligations, and excessive micromanagement are also examples of retaliation. Any adverse change in working conditions that would deter a reasonable person from exercising their legal rights could be retaliation. It’s important to enlist an experienced attorney to help you prove that your employer violated the law. Our office is committed to pursuing full compensation for your losses.
It’s a form of harassment
If you’ve complained to management about workplace harassment or discrimination, it’s important to keep detailed records of your interactions with supervisors. This may help you prove that your employer violated retaliation laws. Retaliation laws prevent companies from punishing employees who engage in protected activities, such as filing a complaint or acting as a whistleblower. The laws also protect employees who testify or participate in an EEOC investigation.
Retaliation can take many forms, including a demotion, a pay cut, or changing an employee’s work schedule. For example, if an employee takes leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or is on maternity leave, a change in their hours could be illegal retaliation.
Another common form of retaliation is changing an employee’s performance evaluation. If your employer changed your performance evaluation in response to your complaint, it could be retaliation. This is a serious offense that requires immediate action. An experienced retaliation and whistleblower attorney can help you file a lawsuit against your employer.
It’s a form of intimidation
Workplace intimidation is the act of harassing someone by using verbal or physical threats. It is often used to coerce people into complying with an employer’s wishes. It’s important for employees to be aware of workplace intimidation, as it may be a violation of federal law.
Examples of retaliation include firing an employee who reports their boss, denying raises to an employee who complains about discrimination, or giving poor performance reviews to employees with good track records right after they engage in protected activities. Employees should keep track of all the retaliatory behavior they experience and be prepared to present evidence that links their complaint with the retaliation.
Long-term exposure to workplace intimidation can lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. It can also cause physical problems, such as high blood pressure and gastrointestinal issues. In addition, it can affect an employee’s sleep cycle, which can have negative consequences for their health.
It’s a form of retaliation
Workplace retaliation refers to any adverse decision or action taken by an employer in response to your exercise of your rights under federal and state workplace laws. These include laws related to workplace discrimination, harassment, and whistleblowing. Workplace retaliation can take many forms, and it is important to understand the different forms it can take so that you can recognize it and protect yourself from it.
Retaliation is illegal when it is directly related to the protected activity you engaged in. For example, if your employer fired you after you complained about a dangerous work environment or sexual harassment, that is direct retaliation.
Other forms of retaliation include demotions, reductions in salary or commission, denial of overtime opportunities, and changes to shift assignments that cause undue hardship. Being excluded from meetings or training and being left out of social events can also be retaliation. If you are being subjected to excessive micromanagement or having your work evaluated in a hostile manner, that is also retaliation.
