If you are being unfairly treated in your workplace, your first reaction might be to report the situation to your employer. But what if your employer is the one making you feel uncomfortable? Or what if you worry that speaking up could get you into more trouble or even cost you your job? Indiana is an employment-at-will state, which means that you could be dismissed for almost any reason.
However, if you are being harassed, discriminated against or otherwise unfairly treated, you have the right to report it and not suffer retaliation for it. This is also the case if you report safety hazards or breaches of accepted standards. Unfortunately, some employers ignore these rules and attempt to punish employees by demoting them, removing or changing their responsibilities, preventing them from being promoted or even dismissing them all together.
If this happen to you, it is vital that you act quickly. As is explained on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website, if you suffer negative treatment in response to carrying out a protected action, such refusing to break the law, this may count as retaliation. If you have suffered retaliation at work, you could be entitled to compensation, as well as the reinstatement of your job or any responsibilities that have been removed from you as part of the retaliatory action.
Of course, it can be a difficult matter to navigate. Fortunately, you do not need to do it alone. An attorney can help you gather your evidence and may be able to support you in challenging your employer and seeking a fair resolution to the situation.
