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What you should know about employer retaliation

Employees in Idaho have certain rights in the workplace. Unfortunately, employers might violate those rights. You should know about employer retaliation and how to handle it.

What is workplace retaliation?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for doing something that is their legal right. Often, it happens when an employee makes a complaint against the company. For example, the employee complains about harassment or discrimination occurring in the workplace. Retaliation can take on different forms such as demoting the employee, refusing to allow them to take time off, reducing their salary, removing them from certain projects or duties or firing them.

In some cases, employer retaliation can be subtle, making it challenging to recognize it. However, whatever form the retaliation takes, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees.

What should you do if you suspect employer retaliation?

If you believe your employer is guilty of employer retaliation against you, it’s important to take action. Go to your supervisor or the Human Resources department to voice your concerns and explain the negative actions your employer has taken against you. In some situations, a sudden change to your job might be legitimate such as a shift change, but if you have suddenly been demoted when you have always received positive employee reviews, you have a right to be suspicious.

However, when there is no logical explanation from your employer about the changes made to your job, you have a legitimate claim. If your employer refuses to admit to the retaliation and refuses to acknowledge doing anything wrong, you can then make a complaint against them with the EEOC or the state’s fair employment agency.

Employer retaliation is against the law and is nothing to take lightly. If you believe your employer has retaliated against you for making a legitimate complaint, which is your legal right, you should fight back and report them.