When employees have an employer who is retaliating against them, they may find themselves entering a hostile work environment everyday they show up for work. Although many have found themselves dealing with a case of employer retaliation, it is not something they have to put up with, as they are able to file a claim against their employer if they believe they are being retaliated against for some reason. Even though filing a claim against an employer is an option, the first step in the process is knowing what acts count as retaliatory behavior.
There are many retaliatory acts that an employer may commit, but the common ways an employer may retaliate against an employee include:
- Denied/delayed promotion
- Demotion
- Refusal to give a reference
- Exclusion from meetings
- Adjusting schedule
- Termination
If any employer commits any of the above acts and it is proven that they are just retaliating against an employee for engaging in an activity that is legally protected, the employee can file a claim. For example, an employee has the right to complain about illegal acts being committed by their employer. When the employer finds out about the employee’s complaint, they may feel as though they have a motive to retaliate. This is illegal because the employee is protected under the Whisteblower Protection Act, so the employer may be found guilty of employer retaliation and if so, will likely have to compensate the employee in some way.
If you feel as though your employer has retaliated against you in some way, an Indiana employment rights attorney can assist you with filing a claim.