It can happen in a subtle manner or what you think may be an overt action against you. The problems at work have increased after you lodged a complaint about someone who has power over you at work. Now, your career or position at your company is suffering.
Workplace retaliation is illegal. It could be the result of you exercising your protected rights as an employee by reporting discrimination or harassment. If you’ve been a victim of workplace retaliatory actions, then you may have a valid legal claim.
Under the law, an employer has no rights to punish a worker for expressing their rights.
Common Forms of Workplace Retaliation
- Salary slashed because you declined to cooperate in unethical acts and for wanting to expose.
- Termination for complaining about non-conducive work environment or your manager’s misdemeanor.
- Threats and intimidation after lodging complaints about unfair treatment compared to fellow workers.
- Suspension for complaining about unfair treatment by your employers or poor working conditions.
- Demotion, denial of salary raises or a chance to advance for threatening to or exposing illegal business practices.
Proving Workplace Retaliation in a Lawsuit
It’s not simple to prove in a court of law that a person was retaliating because they acted unusually. Retaliation must involve acts that have an adverse impact on your employment. It’s important to note that retaliatory actions are not always distinct. Some may not even put your job at risk.
To win a lawsuit for retaliation, you have to prove that you engaged in a protected activity for which your employer punished you. As a result, you feel that your employment was impacted.