RETALIATION AGAINST EMPLOYEES FOR REPORTING HARASSMENT
As an employee, you have the right to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. Yet these rights mean little if you are unable to enforce them. Some employers have “unwritten rules” that pressure employees to keep silent when they see something wrong. This type of work environment stifles employees from speaking out against injustice.
Fortunately, state and federal laws provide protections for whistleblowers — that is, those who report what they believe to be unlawful conduct in their workplace. Your employer cannot legally punish you for reporting sexual harassment of any kind against yourself or others. Even if your actions did not lead to any legal action against your employer, so long as you pursued the report in good faith, you are still shielded from retaliation.
The fact that you have suffered an adverse employment action such as demotion or termination may not be enough. As your attorneys, we will need proof – a preponderance of evidence – that the adverse action was based on your:
- Race or ethnicity
- Country of origin
- Gender
- Disability
- Age
- Sexual preference or gender identity
For honest answers and a realistic evaluation of your case, contact us today. We can help you understand your rights and options in fighting employment discrimination.
What Is Considered Retaliation?
How do you know whether you have suffered unlawful retaliation for reporting harassment? Losing your job is certainly one type of illegal retaliation. However, retaliation isn’t always so blatant. Perhaps you were not fired or terminated. You may still be suffering from more subtle forms of retaliation such as:
- A demotion
- Unfair treatment or harassment
- Reduced pay or benefits
- Unfavorable work assignments or conditions of employment
Any adverse employment treatment that you receive as a direct consequence of reporting harassment may be considered unlawful retaliation.
Passionate About Protecting Your Rights
Pursuing a retaliation claim against your employer requires a strong factual basis. For a detailed evaluation of whether you have a claim, contact the lawyers at Perkins Asbill, A Professional Law Corporation in Sacramento, California. We believe you should not have to suffer financial or emotional harm due to your courage in speaking up against injustice. Our job is to speak up for you — acting as your voice in the legal system. To that end, our employment attorneys have worked tirelessly to prevail against some of the nation’s largest employers.
With more than 30 years of employment law experience, our lawyers know how to work through the intricacies of the California Labor Code, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and other applicable law. To get started, arrange a confidential consultation by calling (916) 446-2000.