If you have witnessed your colleague being sexually harassed at work, it is only right that you speak up for them by providing your testimony. However, your employer may not be too pleased with that, and they may react negatively.
Is your employer taking adverse action against you for assisting in investigations involving a sexual harassment claim filed by your colleague? Has your employer cut your wages because you provided witness testimony? If that’s the case, here is what you need to know.
Workplace sexual harassment is illegal
Every employee should be free from any form of employment discrimination, including sexual harassment. Being a witness in such a claim means that you are protected from any form of retaliation by your employer.
Retaliation can take many forms
For instance, your employer may reassign your duties to another person, reprimand you unnecessarily, or even dismiss you.
Employers know that it is illegal to retaliate against employees who speak up about harassment or discrimination. Therefore, their actions may be subtle, or they may try to hide their real intentions by giving another excuse for their decisions.
What you need to know
You need to prove a causal connection between your employer’s adverse actions and what you did. Sometimes, it is not easy to prove your claims since your employer may try to justify their actions by blaming your performance or financial issues. However, making informed moves will help you get the most desirable outcome for your case and protect your interests.
Remember, you did not break the law, and the negative actions against you by your employer are unlawful by all means.
