No one deserves to work in a hostile work environment, but unfortunately, many employees are forced to endure unfair treatment in the workplace. Thankfully, Kentucky state laws protect employees from workplace harassment and discrimination, including workplace retaliation. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions (EEOC), workplace retaliation is one of the most common claims that workers report across the country. If you’re experiencing retaliation in the workplace, there are rights that protect you.
What Is Workplace Retaliation?
Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer acts against a worker after committing a protected activity. Employers are prohibited from taking negative actions against employees for reporting something. For example, they can’t punish you for reporting illegal conduct occurring in the workplace, filing a discrimination complaint, and more. If you are experiencing workplace retaliation, you can file a claim against your employer with the help of an experienced employment law attorney.
Common Forms of Retaliation in the Workplace
Retaliation in the workplace can take place in a variety of ways, including the denial of promotions, salary reductions, wrongful termination, and more. Wrongful termination is one of the most common forms of workplace retaliation. Employers may fire or demote “at-will” employees for almost any cause—or even no cause at all. However, an employer can’t fire you “at-will” for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons or violate their own established policies.
Wrongful termination is very difficult for a former employee to prove in the absence of a violation of an employment policy, contractual term, or, most commonly, a statutory provision. For such reasons, it is important to have strong legal representation on your side to guide you through this process.
Louisville Employment Law Attorneys
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated or you’re experiencing discrimination as a form of retaliation, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Our Louisville employment law attorneys can analyze your situation and help you determine if you have a case. We can help you demonstrate that your employer’s actions were linked to a protected activity you made.
Contact our Louisville employment law attorneys today at (502) 890-9954 to schedule a consultation!