When you file a complaint against your employer or supervisor, you may worry about your position within the company. You know you have rights that deserve protection, but what can you do to stop your employer from firing you?
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the EEOC prohibits employers from punishing employees for asserting their rights.
Who do employers retaliate against?
If you serve as a witness or complain against a company, the business may attempt to target you. You have every right to answer questions and stand up for your rights during an investigation against your employer. Unfortunately, some employers attempt to punish their employees.
If you talk to your supervisor about harassment or employment discrimination and find yourself ostracized or threatened with demotion or firing, the company may be retaliating against you. Generally, employers attempt to retaliate against the following types of employees:
- Employees who request accommodations
- Employees who refuse to follow discriminatory orders
- Employees who ask questions about salary
If you feel like your employer wants to punish you, it may be an example of retaliation.
Is termination after a complaint always retaliation?
Employees do not have protection against termination for non-discriminatory reasons. Employers still have a right to terminate employers, but they cannot do so because of retaliation. Based on your actions, you can claim retaliation if you notice that your performance evaluations become lower than they should be. If an employer suddenly demotes you, despite your performance remaining the same, you may be able to prove retaliation.
Following a complaint, an employer or supervisor may target someone involved with the situation. They may attempt to make your work more difficult.
