Each year, retaliation is near the top of the list of complaints the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission receives. Retaliation is often connected with other complaints, including race discrimination and sexual harassment. Workplace retaliation is often hard for businesses to overcome. In many instances, companies win discrimination lawsuits but lose the retaliation claim that accompanies the lawsuit. Businesses often face retaliation claims unintentionally. If you are a Florida employee and need to know more about retaliation in the workplace, you may find this information helpful.
What is workplace retaliation?
Workplace retaliation occurs when a company penalizes a worker for exercising their rights in the workplace. Punishment is classified as an adverse action that may discourage an employee from pursuing protection. Adverse actions can include:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Constructive discharge when retaliation prompts a worker to quit
- Poor performance reviews
- Lack of deserved promotion
Retaliation charges are serious for companies because it usually difficult for workers to exercise their rights. If workers see that other employees are being punished for speaking up, they may be deterred from standing up for themselves.
Possible consequences
Workplace retaliation can cost companies a considerable sum of money. Firing an employee or creating a hostile work environment so that workers are prompted to quit often causes individuals to file formal charges against a company.
Companies could be responsible for:
- Damage for emotional distress
- Double back wages
- Paying for lost benefits
- Punitive damages
If you need to file a workplace retaliation case, speak with a lawyer who is familiar with workplace issues. A qualified attorney can explain your rights so you’ll know how to proceed with your case.
