Workplace Retaliation: What You Need To Know
Wisconsin has laws in place to protect employees from harassment and discrimination. But did you know that these laws also protect employees from retaliation? Employers cannot penalize employees for making discrimination or harassment complaints or engaging in workplace investigations. If you believe you have been the victim of retaliation in the workplace, contact McDonald & Kloth, LLC. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing both employees and employers in retaliation cases.
What Is Workplace Retaliation?
Retaliation is the most frequently claimed basis of discrimination in the federal sector. This occurs when an employer subjects an employee to adverse employment action because that employee has engaged in protected activity. Such actions may include:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Transfer
- Failure to promote
- Reduction in pay or benefits
Generally speaking, the term “protected activity” refers to a situation where an employee:
- Complains of and/or reports discrimination or harassment in the workplace aimed at him/her
- Complains of and/or reports discrimination or harassment in the workplace aimed at another person
- Filing a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the equivalent state administrative agency
- Whistleblowing
If you suspect retaliation, make sure that you take the proper steps to open and build your case. First, speak with your supervisor or human resource representative regarding your situation. In some cases, your employer may have a plausible explanation. If not, don’t be afraid to voice your concern about the situation and that you feel you are being retaliated against.
An Employee Has Protection Whether Their Claim Is True Or Not
An employee is protected whether their charges are proven true or false in order to preserve and protect their rights. This encourages employees who experience discrimination or retaliation to come forward and report it. You can build a retaliation case by showing a connection between your complaint and the employer’s retaliatory behavior. Document the behavior and keep track of information prior to your complaint.
Consult With An Attorney Today
The employment attorneys at McDonald & Kloth, LLC have extensive experience representing clients in retaliation cases. If you believe that you have been subjected to workplace retaliation, we can help. We can tell you based on the facts and evidence how strong your case is, what compensation you can potentially recover and more. Call our Menomonee Falls office today at 262-252-9122 for more information or fill out our contact form.