Disputes and disagreements occur in the workplace between employees and employers. If you feel unfairly treated by your supervisor or employer in Texas, there is a chance that you have recourse. This applies to those who are suffering employer retaliation. Retaliation claims, according to Forbes, are the most common claims that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission receives. How do you know if your employer is punishing you or simply treating you unfairly?
Unfair treatment is not always illegal. It can be illegal, however, if the employer is punishing an employee for a protected activity. If your employer takes adverse action against you or did so because you engaged in a protected activity, you may have experienced employer retaliation.
Protected activities include opposing unlawful or discriminatory practices or participating in an equal employment opportunity. Employees should be free from discrimination. If you refused to follow an order that was discriminatory, filed an EEOC complaint or spoke with a supervisor about discrimination, an employer cannot fire you. If you make a claim in good faith, then your employer cannot retaliate.
In many cases, an employer may retaliate by demoting you, reducing your salary or firing you. In addition, any verbal or physical abuses or threats may be retaliation. If supervisors or employers can prove that they have a history of impolite or rude behavior, regardless of discrimination, it can be difficult to prove retaliation. However, if you engaged in a protected activity and then the employer took action, it may be retaliation.
The above is meant to explain employer retaliation. It is not legal advice.
