If your superiors mistreat you or you witness employer misconduct, you have the right to file a complaint or report. Unfortunately, some employers react inappropriately when employees exercise this and other rights.
They may retaliate against the worker, which usually means continued mistreatment, often making their work environment unbearable. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against those who exercise their rights, yet it remains a disturbing problem for many.
What are the reasons for retaliation?
Employers resort to retaliation for many reasons, often to intimidate employees and stop them from reporting wrongdoing. Some specific reasons retaliation occurs include:
- To discourage employees from engaging in protected activity (reporting safety or labor law violations and so on).
- To silence workers already in the process of reporting employer wrongdoing (discrimination, harassment, safety violations and more).
- To punish those who challenge the employer’s authority (refusing to act illegally, for example) or decline their sexual advances.
Of course, it depends on the individual circumstances, but if you suspect retaliation, consider investigating further. Legal guidance can provide you with more insight into identifying and proving retaliation.
What are some signs of retaliation?
Contrary to common belief, it is not always easy to determine if an employer is retaliating against a worker. Retaliation often occurs gradually, which can make it harder to detect unlawful employer conduct. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Denial of deserved raises or promotions
- Unwarranted negative performance reviews
- Bullying or harassing behaviors from superiors
- Exclusion from workplace meetings and events
- Undeserved transfer to a less desirable position
Workplace retaliation can impact your entire life, but you can take steps to remedy your circumstances. A good way to get started is to explore California employment laws, especially those related to retaliation.
