Defend Your Rights against Workplace Retaliation
If you file a complaint about harassment or discrimination in the workplace, you are legally protected against retaliation. Your employer cannot punish you directly or indirectly for filing a claim or participating in an investigation about workplace discrimination. Workplace retaliation encompasses any negative job action and can take many forms, from losing your job unexpectedly to a sudden salary reduction. If you believe you were treated unfairly by your employer due to a discrimination claim, you need a workplace retaliation lawyer to defend your rights.
At Thyberg Law in Sacramento, CA, we focus exclusively on employment law and workplace discrimination cases. Attorney Gregory A. Thyberg can investigate your situation and build a strong case for a retaliation lawsuit. For more information about workplace retaliation suits, contact our office online or call us at (916) 204-9173 today.
Who Is Protected against Retaliation?
Under the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEO), any employee or job applicant who asserts their right to be free of discrimination is protected against retaliatory behaviors. When you file a discrimination claim or participate in an investigation, you are taking part in an activity protected by the EEO. Common examples of protected activities include:
- Serving as a witness in a EEO lawsuit
- Communicating with a supervisor about discrimination
- Requesting accommodation for a religious practice or disability
- Resisting sexual advances
- Intervening in discriminatory situations to protect others
- Refusing to follow orders which discriminate against others
Under federal law, employees have the right to a discrimination-free workplace. Employers are not allowed to react to a EEO activity in such a way which would discourage someone from attempting a similar action in the future.
Understanding Workplace Retaliation
Retaliation refers to any action intended to punish an employee for engaging in a protected activity. Any behaviors which make your work more difficult may constitute workplace retaliation. It can take many forms, both obvious and subtle, including:
- Firing
- Discipline
- Job or shift reassignment
- Demotion
- Reduction of salary
- Verbal or physical abuse
However, in some cases, retaliation may be more subtle. Your employer may micromanage your work or you may notice false rumors in the office that cause other employees to treat you differently.
What to Do about Retaliatory Behaviors
Before pursuing legal action, employees who suspect workplace retaliation should speak to their supervisors or human resource representatives. They may have a reasonable explanation for the changes to your work environment.
You have the right to pursue a safe, discrimination workplace without the threat of retaliation.
However, if you do not receive a satisfactory answer, our employment law attorney Greg Thyberg can help you investigate the situation and build a case on your behalf. To file a lawsuit against your employer for retaliation, you must show a link between your original complaint and the negative actions of your employer. The more evidence you have to support your claim of retaliation, the more weight your case will carry.
Consult with an Attorney
As a seasoned workplace discrimination attorney, Mr. Thyberg can determine how strong your case is and give you an estimate for how much compensation you are likely to recover. You have the right to pursue a safe, discrimination-free workplace without the threat of retaliation. Do not suffer silently in the face of retaliatory actions. Contact our office online or call (916) 204-9173 today to speak to a member of our team about your situation.
