Businesses in California generally have the right to terminate employment, so long as they are not doing so for unlawful reasons. However, there are strict prohibitions against these employers retaliating against employees for taking certain actions that are protected by law. Retaliation can come in different forms beyond terminating employment, including harassment, demotions, or a reduction in pay or hours.
If you believe you were targeted for retaliation, KV LAW, P.C. is here to help. You might be entitled to compensation if your rights were violated, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you are treated fairly.
What Is Workplace Retaliation?
Retaliation happens when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because the employee engaged in protected activity. Protected activity includes reporting discrimination or harassment, reporting violations of laws, filing a wage complaint, requesting legally protected leave, or cooperating with government officials as part of an investigation.
Examples of Retaliation
There are many ways an employer could attempt to illegally retaliate against an employee. Common examples include the following:
Termination
Firing an employee shortly after they file a complaint or report misconduct is one of the most common and blatant forms of retaliation. Even if the employer claims a different reason for the firing, the courts will consider the surrounding circumstances when deciding if it was retaliatory or not.
Demotion
Reducing an employee’s role or stripping them of their responsibilities after protected activity can be retaliatory, especially when the change affects that person’s career advancement.
Reduced Pay or Hours
Cutting wages or scheduled hours in response to an employee asserting their rights is a way employers frequently retaliate without technically terminating a person’s employment. In some cases, this could include manipulating schedules or denying overtime opportunities.
Unwarranted Discipline
Sudden write-ups or negative evaluations following a complaint can be retaliatory when they lack legitimate justification.
Hostile Treatment
Retaliation may also involve creating a hostile work environment through exclusion, intimidation, or increased scrutiny designed to pressure the employee to resign.
How an Attorney Can Help
We can help identify whether retaliation occurred and evaluate available remedies. These legal claims may help recover everything from your lost wages to compensation for your emotional harm.
If you are the victim of workplace retaliation, it is vital that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Reach out to KV LAW, P.C. today to discuss your rights.