Did you know that retaliation claims exceed the claims of other forms of discrimination, such as racial discrimination filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission? Retaliation, as explained by NPR, is any firing, harassing or demoting of a worker because he or she filed a discrimination claim against the company. Often, managers will retaliate through forms of bullying when an employee files a claim.
Whistleblowers are common victims in terms of workplace harassment. While it may not be legal for the employer to fire the employee based on whistleblowing, the management may try to make work difficult for the employee. Employers and management are not supposed to withhold promotions due to claims of discrimination. In fact, no form of retaliation is legal.
Employers may not retaliate through:
- Lowering pay
- Withholding promotions
- Refusing benefits
- Firing employees
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for these things to occur. Other employees or supervisors may berate and demean employees in front of others. They may send harsh emails and notes. To protect yourself, you should always hang onto any evidence of harassment. For instance, if a manager sends you a nasty email, do not delete it. If you experience harassment or bullying, document the day and time it occurred. Write down the incident as soon as possible.
Employers may find creative ways to retaliate. It is important that even if you are unsure that someone will believe that it is a form of harassment that you still document. It is not unheard of for an employer to try to make it seem as though he or she is not retaliating. More information is available on our page.
