Many assume that if they were to experience illegal workplace retaliation, they would know it was happening. In many cases, the employee is aware of the situation, and they seek justice through legal means. But what happens when an employee isn’t aware that what they are enduring is actually illegal workplace retaliation? How does an employee obtain justice when they aren’t aware that their employer is acting in violation of the law?
Know Your Rights: Workplace retaliation is illegal and punishable by law. Employers are prohibited from acting out against an employee for following the law, refusing to break the law, or for exercising their legal rights.
Retaliation occurs for a number of reasons, not all of which are illegal. If you believe that you have experienced illegal workplace retaliation, you should speak to an experienced Atlanta employment law attorney as soon as possible.
2 Common Types of Workplace Retaliation:
Retaliation in Response to Discrimination or Harassment Claims: In some cases, employees experience illegal workplace retaliation after they lodge a protected discrimination or harassment complaint. Employees may also receive threats or warnings of potential repercussions if they were to file a complaint of harassment or discrimination. Such threats or warnings should be documented, as this can be good evidence should the employer actually follow through with a tangible employment action against the threatened employee.
Illegal Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection Laws: Sometimes an employee has information that their employer is violating laws or regulations or that their employer is engaging in practices or policies that are a danger to the public. In some cases, depending on what law the employer is alleged to have violated and whether that law provides protection for reporting, an employee may be considered a protected whistleblower.
Illegal retaliation can take the form of demotion, termination, a cut in hours or a cut in pay. If you feel that you are being punished on the job for exercising your legal rights, or for refusing to break the law, you may be experiencing workplace retaliation. Please seek assistance from an experienced Atlanta workplace retaliation lawyer who can help you protect yourself and your career.
Get in touch with one of the experienced Atlanta employment law attorneys at Barrett & Farahany so we can help. We do things differently; justice at work is not only our profession, it’s our passion.
