How to Spot Workplace Retaliation

Workplace retaliation happens when an employer punishes an employee for their involvement in a protective activity like complaining against harassment and discrimination and whistleblowing. If you think you have been retaliated against, you must speak with a reputable Austin Employment Discrimination Lawyer to help determine your case’s viability and walk you through the next steps.

Identifying workplace retaliation is usually easy. You may get a negative work review with reduced pay or a demotion or you may be outright terminated from your position in an obvious response to your engagement in a legally protected activity. But, keep in mind that not all unfair treatment is illegal.

Examples of Workplace Retaliation

Workplace retaliation can take a lot of forms. Your employee should take an adverse action against you that impacts your income, job, or your employment’s terms and conditions. Some situations that indicate retaliation include the following:

• Negative employee evaluation. You probably have excellent annual performance reviews for years, but your employee reviews dropped after filing a complaint with HR.
• Transfer. Your employer may transfer you to a different department or another branch in a different city.
• Reduced pay. Workplace retaliation can also happen when your employer cuts your pay rate after filing a complaint.
• Demotion. You can be demoted from your position and get a reduced pay rate.
• Lay-off. Your employer may use a change in the economy to justify laying you off after you have filed complaints.

What to Do About Illegal Workplace Retaliation

If you believe you are a victim of workplace retaliation, you must see an employment attorney to know if you have a case against your boss. You can file a retaliation complaint with the EEOC or the human rights or relations agencies of your state. Another option is to take your employer to court. Because you may be subject to time limitations, get legal advice as soon as possible.

Jennifer Eonflux