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What is Workplace Retaliation? Get Answers to This and Other Related Questions Retaliation at work refers to a situation in which your employer treats you unfairly because you exercised a legal right or participated in a legally protected activity. Retaliation victims may submit a grievance to the labor commission, and you might be eligible to pursue a civil case for financial compensation.

There are five typical instances of a negative employment action: you may be fired or demoted, your compensation or benefits may be decreased, your work schedule may be altered, you may be transferred, and you may be denied a promotion or raise.

It may qualify as workplace retaliation if any of these negative behaviors are brought about by your participation in a protected activity. Several things must be demonstrated to establish that it was retaliation: there is a causal relationship between your good faith participation in a protected activity and the adverse employment action you experienced.

Keep reading to learn more about retaliation. If you have additional questions or are ready for a free legal consultation with an employment law attorney, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 today.

Can I be fired or demoted by my employer for partaking in a protected activity?

When your employer acts in retaliation at work, it is one of the most heinous situations. This includes situations in which they reprimand, demote, or dismiss you because you were involved in a protected activity. Even just demoting you can be considered retribution.

The end frequently occurs long after the protected activity. However, throughout the period of that time, your boss might have routinely produced negative performance assessments and punished you for insignificant things to support the eventual discharge. There can also be promotions during this time.

However, a termination does not always have to be total. If your employer intentionally creates working conditions that are so awful or unacceptable that even a reasonable employee would have quit, you may be constructively fired.

What happens if my pay or benefits are cut?

If your income or benefits are reduced after you do something that is legally protected, that could also constitute workplace retribution. This involves reductions in pay or perks such as: hourly pay, a salary, commission payments, paid time off, sick leave, FMLA-eligible family medical leave, or the chance to work overtime.

What if my employer alters the hours I work in retaliation?

If your work schedule is altered because you engaged in a protected activity, this might also be considered retaliation. Schedule modifications that may constitute retribution include mandatory weekend hours, a shift change, drastically shorter or longer shifts, or regular schedule changes that prevent you from making long-term plans are all examples of things that could happen.

Is my transfer or reassignment considered retaliation?

Retaliatory actions might also include relocation or reassignment to a different position within the organization.

Retaliation often takes the form of shifting you to a less advantageous location or a position with more demanding obligations as punishment. Employers frequently use it as a model. Employers might discourage future whistleblowing or other undesirable behavior by making it plain what happens when you speak up.

What if I was passed over for a raise or a promotion?

Retaliation might also include withholding a raise or promotion. Promotions and wage increases are sometimes used by businesses as leverage with their staff. Your company may revoke these career progress if you raise awareness of workplace problems. This not only serves as payback for your actions, but it also discourages others from speaking up out of concern for their careers.

If you have been the victim of workplace retaliation, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 to see what your legal options are.