Employment Retaliation

Employment discrimination laws prohibit business decisions based on protected characteristics such as gender, race, religion, disability, pregnancy, or age. Retaliation often stems from situations where:

1. An employee requests salary information to investigate potential wage discrimination
2. A worker seeks accommodation for religious beliefs or disabilities
3. An individual participates in an EEOC investigation
4. Someone intervenes to protect a coworker from harassment
5. An employee refuses sexual advances
6. A worker discusses discrimination concerns with a supervisor

Real-world examples of retaliation include:

• A police officer forced to resign after filing a sexual harassment complaint
• A professor made to resign following a gender discrimination complaint
• A banker fired after assisting a coworker with a racial discrimination complaint
• A communications specialist terminated after reporting race discrimination
• An employee denied use of a company vehicle after filing a complaint

Resolving Retaliation Claims Effectively

Retaliation can manifest in various ways, including:

1. Assigning additional work duties
2. Altering work schedules unfavorably
3. Lowering performance ratings
4. Reducing work hours
5. Increasing scrutiny
6. Spreading rumors
7. Making threats

Sometimes, retaliation may indirectly affect an employee by targeting their relatives or associates.

Addressing Workplace Retaliation Through Mediation

If you believe you’re facing retaliation at work, it’s crucial to address the issue. While the EEOC is one avenue for investigating claims, mediation can offer a neutral space to resolve disputes effectively.

Mediation provides an opportunity for all parties to discuss concerns, explore solutions, and work toward a mutually agreeable resolution. This process can help preserve working relationships, avoid costly litigation, and find creative solutions to workplace conflicts.

Consider seeking the assistance of a mediator experienced in employment law and retaliation cases. They can facilitate productive conversations and help all parties understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Resolve Wannon offers impartial mediation services for employment disputes, including retaliation claims. Our mediators are committed to neutrality, ensuring that all parties have an equal opportunity to express their concerns and work toward a fair resolution.

Remember, addressing retaliation is about promoting a fair, respectful workplace for everyone. Through mediation, you can work towards resolving conflicts and fostering a more positive work environment while maintaining absolute neutrality and confidentiality.