Retaliation in the Workplace

What is Retaliation in the Workplace?

Retaliation in the workplace involves the abuse of power by a supervisor over a subordinate. It is a reaction to the subordinate having expressed their concerns of either being discriminated against or treated differently based on immutable characteristics.

At its core, retaliation is about getting revenge.

It is officially defined as the unlawful adverse action taken by an employer against an employee for that employee having engaged in protected activity.

Protected activity is when an employee raises legitimate concerns or complains about being discriminated against on the basis of some protected category (i.e. sex, sexual orientation, race, age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or  pregnancy).

For any violation of right that an employee experiences, the most powerful antidote is making a record. Be sure to obtain and preserve evidence of the wrongdoing so that you can present it to the appropriate avenue for justice.

Examples of Retaliation in the Workplace

Some examples of retaliation in the workplace include:

• Being excluded from meetings that are necessary for you to do your job
• Being demoted
• Having your salary or benefits cut
• Being issued an unfounded negative performance review
• Being placed on a performance improvement plan (“PIP”) that is unfounded or impossible to satisfy
• Being humiliated or verbally abused

Retaliation in the workplace is unlawful and unacceptable. All employees have the right to report wrongdoing in the workplace without suffering adverse consequences.

Call Filippatos PLLC Today

If you have been a victim of retaliation in the workplace, or would like to speak to an experienced workplace retaliation attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Filippatos PLLC is committed to finding a compassionate, innovative, and successful solution that is right for you.