If you’ve been a victim of workplace discrimination or harassment from management in California, you know it can be a harrowing experience. It takes courage to come forward and tell your story. It takes even more courage to report against a manager who could wrongfully terminate you in retaliation for coming forward. That’s why knowing what the EEOC has to say about retaliation is important.
Filing a claim with EEOC
When filing a claim with the EEOC, they will investigate your case and work to find a fair resolution for you and the company involved. However, employer retaliation can occur when someone files a charge or when they cooperate with an investigation. So, if you experience discrimination or harassment, be sure to know your rights under the law and take steps to protect yourself from retaliation.
What is retaliation?
Retaliation is when an individual acts against another person because they have exercised their right to complain or oppose a discriminatory practice. The EEOC understands that retaliation can take many forms, including:
- Discipline or termination from a job
- Refusal to promote, hire, or associate
- Interfering with opportunities
- Engaging in other adverse actions like intimidation tactics
“The law forbids retaliation when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, and promotions…”
Defining the term “retaliation”
In employment law, retaliation includes any action taken against an individual because they have opposed unlawful employment practices, filed a charge, testified, or participated in any investigation or litigation related to employment rights. It also includes any adverse action taken against an employee because they complained about illegal behavior by coworkers or reported such behavior to management.
Conclusion
It’s natural to be concerned about retaliation after reporting discrimination. The EEOC does provide some protections in that they can produce heavy penalties for an employer retaliating against someone who has filed a claim with the EEOC. If you believe that retaliation has occurred at work, learn about how the law protects you.