Efficient and Effective Legal Representation

Putting A Stop To Retaliation At The Workplace

Employees who oppose their employers’ wrongdoing or report harassment and discrimination in the workplace should be safe from retaliation. However, every year hundreds of Wisconsin workers are fired, demoted or otherwise treated wrongfully after reporting unlawful conduct.

At Cross Law Firm, S.C., we are passionate about standing up for the rights of workers. Numerous laws on both the state and federal level protect workers from retaliation while employed and even after their employment terminates, and we know how to use the law to protect our clients’ rights. We also counsel workers on how to protect themselves when facing difficult situations on the job, and in some cases, we intervene with your employer during your on-going employment to protect your job.

To arrange a consultation with one of our experienced Milwaukee wrongful termination lawyers, please call 414-224-0000. We have offices in Milwaukee and Waukesha.

Common Reasons For Retaliation

As highly experienced attorneys, we have helped thousands of workers who found themselves the victims of retaliation. There are many reasons why an employer might choose to retaliate against an employee, such as:

  • Opposing financial fraud affecting shareholders or potential shareholders
  • Health care whistleblowing
  • Reporting discrimination or sexual harassment
  • Filing a discrimination claim
  • Opposing a racially or sexually hostile working environment
  • Requesting an accommodation for your disability
  • Acting as a witness in a discrimination case or opposing discrimination against co-workers
  • Filing a wage claim or informing the employer of intent to file a wage claim overtime
  • Reporting OSHA violations
  • Filing a workers’ compensation claim
  • Engaging in union activity or non-union protected concerted activity
  • Attempting to stop fraudulent claims being submitted to the government, such as Medicare, pharmaceutical sales, mishandled government grants and loans, or defense or other industry government procurement

Retaliation For Union And Other Protected Concerted Activity

Our firm is adept at handling the special issues faced by labor unions in Wisconsin, including issues of retaliation against union workers. If you are a union member and you engage in protected concerted activity, such as asking for better wages or better working conditions, you are protected from retaliation.

Even when you do not have a union and are not working to form one, you have legal protection for acting to correct or enhance the wages, hours or working conditions of yourself and others. We are one of the few Wisconsin law firms handling retaliation cases for protected concerted activity outside the union context, and we have an excellent record of success in these cases.

Recognizing Retaliation

Retaliation comes in many forms, some more obvious than others. When you come to us, we will investigate the situation and help you take appropriate action. Some common types of workplace retaliation are:

  • Wrongful discharge/wrongful termination (firing)
  • Demotion
  • Unwanted transfer
  • Dead-ending (no advancement opportunities)
  • Unjustified negative performance reviews

You may also be retaliated against after your employment ends. If your old employer is enforcing a non-compete agreement against you while not enforcing it against others, they may be attempting to retaliate against you unlawfully. Your former employer may also attempt to retaliate against you by providing inaccurate and poor references to other companies.

Contact Our Wisconsin Workplace Retaliation Lawyers

If your employer fired or demoted you because you spoke out against fraud or other unlawful behavior, you have the right to pursue legal action. To schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney, call 414-224-0000 or contact our law firm online. Evening and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.