Workplace Retaliation

Retaliation happens when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because the employee exercised a legal right — for example by complaining about discrimination or harassment, reporting unpaid wages, taking protected leave, or reporting a suspected violation of law.

Common forms of retaliation

• Termination, demotion or a pay cut
• Reduced hours or undesirable shifts
• Sudden negative reviews or discipline
• Exclusion, threats or intimidation

Keep a record of the protected activity and of what changed afterwards, including dates. Timing is often important evidence.