Cases of Wrongful Termination After Reporting Workplace Discrimination
If you witness workplace discrimination of any kind, it's important to speak up and report it. Sexist behavior, racist behavior, homophobic behavior, or any sort of bigoted actions should never be tolerated at a workplace, and it's crucial that co-workers stand up for each other when possible. This helps ensure a safe and welcoming work environment, where everyone can do their job without the potential for harassment or hate.
Sadly, people can face negative repercussions from their employers simply for doing the right thing. This could lead to cases wrongful termination in extreme cases of work retaliation. Should this happen to you and you live in the greater Allen or Plano area, our workplace and employment rights law firm can help. We believe in and standby workers brave enough to do the right thing.
What Is Workplace Retaliation?
Workplace retaliation refers to a number of behaviors in which one's company punishes them for normal, legally protected, on-the-job behavior. In the case of reporting workplace discrimination, this could take many forms, with the most severe type of retaliation resulting in you being fired or dismissed from your job.
Examples of Retaliation and Harassment
There are many kinds of workplace retaliation. Some examples of retaliation include:
- Termination of employment
- Demotion
- Shift reassignment
- Moving an employee's work station
- Change of office
- Salary/pay cuts
- Uncalled for disciplinary actions
These are all acts of intimidation by an employer that sends a message to other employees to keep quiet. This should never be tolerated, particularly when reporting discrimination causes you to lose your job. Federal employment laws protect employees from filing discrimination and harassment complaints, whether these are done internally or with an outside body such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
What to Do If You Face Workplace Retaliation
If you suspect that you are facing workplace retaliation for doing what's right, it's important that you discuss these matters with your supervisor or a representative from human resources. Ask them why you are at the receiving end of this behavior. Sometimes an employer has a reasonable response regard these perceived acts of retaliation. For instance, you shift may have been moved because another employee has been let go, or perhaps a raise didn't go through because of internal financial issues within a company affecting all employees.
If the explanation provided is not satisfactory, there's a chance you may be the victim of unlawful workplace retaliation. At this point, it's important to document all of the retaliatory behavior you've experienced, any emails or evidence to back this up, and file a complaint with the EEOC.
How a Worker's Rights Attorney Can Help
Employment litigation can be quite complex, and determining if you have a retaliation claim can be difficult for people not versed in Texas state statutes or federal laws. By working with an attorney, you can receive the counsel you need through every phase of this process. Your lawyer will help you stand up to your former employer and their legal team. We will fight diligently for you and for other workers who have been unjustly punished for doing the right thing.
Learn More About Your Legal Rights
If you or someone in your family has lost their job because they reported workplace discrimination, it's important that you speak with a lawyer familiar with employee rights. We encourage you to contact an experienced employment attorney today. The team at the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson can help you.
