Understanding Workplace Retaliation: Your Rights and Remedies

As an employee, your right to speak up against injustice, discrimination, or illegal activities in the workplace is protected by law. Yet, retaliation remains a pressing issue that employees face after reporting such matters. Let’s delve into what constitutes workplace retaliation, your rights, and how to take action if you become a victim.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse actions against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities. These activities might include:

• Filing a complaint about discrimination or harassment or simply complaining to your supervisor.
• Participating in an investigation or lawsuit regarding workplace violations – like confirming or denying an incident occurred.
• Whistleblowing on unsafe or illegal practices.

Recognizing Retaliation

Retaliation can manifest in various forms:

• Termination: Abruptly firing an employee without valid cause.
• Demotion: Relegating the employee to a lower position without justifiable reasons.
• Pay Reduction: Cutting down the employee’s salary or benefits.
• Hostile Work Environment: Creating an uncomfortable or unwelcoming workplace for the employee.
• Exclusion: Deliberately leaving the employee out of meetings, projects, or decisions.

Legal Protections

Laws at both federal and state levels safeguard employees from retaliation:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Prohibits discrimination and retaliation based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): Protects whistleblowers who report unsafe workplace conditions. Kentucky’s OSHA laws have a specific section prohibiting retaliation.
• Kentucky State Laws: The Kentucky Civil Rights Act (KCRA) mirrors the protections of Title VII providing additional protections against retaliation.

Steps to Take if You Face Retaliation

If you believe you are a victim of workplace retaliation, here’s what you can do:

1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all retaliatory actions, including  dates, times, and any witnesses.
2. Report Internally: Notify your HR department or higher management about the retaliatory behavior.
3. File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights (KCHR).
4. Consult an Employment Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and  potential remedies.

Remedies for Retaliation

Victims of retaliation may be entitled to several remedies, such as:

• Reinstatement: Getting your job or position back, although this might not be an option if the employment relationship is broken beyond repair.
• Back Pay: Compensation for lost wages and benefits. Front pay, although difficult to prove, might also be an option.
• Damages: Payment for emotional distress, legal costs, and punitive damages in cases where the employer’s actions were so egregious, damages to punish the employer are necessary.

Conclusion

Every employee deserves a fair and just workplace. If you’ve been retaliated against for  standing up for your rights, it’s crucial to take action. Understanding your protections and remedies can empower you to fight back and seek justice.

By staying informed and seeking the right legal support, you can navigate the complexities of workplace retaliation and reclaim your peace of mind. For personalized advice and  representation, don't hesitate to reach out to Ryan Employment Law.