Workplace Retaliation
Federal, New York State, and New York City laws make it illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for engaging in a protected activity.
Adverse Actions
Adverse actions can be overt or subtle, and include:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Pay cuts
- Denial of promotions
- Shift changes
- Unfavorable job reassignments
- Unwarranted negative evaluations
- Written or verbal warnings
- Exclusion from meetings or opportunities
- Hostile treatment by supervisors or coworkers
Common Examples
- Your employer learns you are participating in an internal investigation of a sexual harassment complaint against them. Shortly afterward, you receive an unusually negative evaluation despite a consistent history of strong performance.
- You file a discrimination complaint with your company's Human Resources department. Within weeks, your employment is terminated for alleged "performance issues" that were never raised before your complaint.
Recognizing Subtle Retaliation
Retaliation does not always happen immediately after a complaint and can develop gradually over time.
Subtle retaliation may involve being excluded from important projects, stripped of responsibilities, subjected to micromanagement, or having your work unfairly scrutinized.
Because these patterns can be harder to detect and prove, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and gather evidence.
Contact A Seasoned &
Qualified Workplace Retaliation Attorney
If you believe you are experiencing retaliation for standing up for your workplace rights, the attorneys at Risman & Risman, P.C. can help. We will review your situation, explain your legal options, and work to protect you from further harm. There is no charge for the consultation.
Please feel free to call us at (212) 233-6400 or contact us online.