Colorado residents take pride in having jobs and doing their work well. Many give up time and energy that they could devote to their families and hobbies just to ensure that they have completed everything they need to do for their employers. With the amount of effort that so many workers put into their jobs, it is upsetting that some employers treat their workers with disrespect and wrongful acts.
When an employer wrongfully acts out against a worker for an unjustified or legally impermissible reason, that act may be considered retaliation. This post will discuss retaliation and how it can negatively impact the work lives of Colorado residents. No part of this post is offered as legal advice and when Denver residents suffer harm due to retaliation at work, they can work with trusted attorneys for support with their cases.
Recognizing retaliation in the workplace
There are permissible reasons for workers to be disciplined or terminated from their jobs. When a worker violates an employer policy or fails to meet the expectations of their position, they may be penalized or let go. Not all acts of discipline and firing are wrongful.
However, when punishments befall workers who do nothing wrong, their treatment may be considered retaliation. Retaliation happens when a worker speaks up about harassment or discrimination at work, or when a worker reports a wrongdoing committed by their employer. For example, if a worker knows that their employer is violating the law and the employer will not change their actions, the worker may choose to report the wrongdoing to the proper authorities. If the employer takes adverse action against the employee because the employee spoke up, then they employee may be the victim of retaliation.
Types of retaliation that afflict workers
Retaliation is adverse and harms workers. It may manifest in an outright termination from an employee’s job. It may take the form of a demotion or a loss of employment responsibilities. Workers who are retaliated against may lose pay or benefits, may be given less desirable work responsibilities, or may be subject to other negative treatment by their employers.
Options for workers who have suffered retaliation
As stated, not all terminations or workplace discipline are wrongful. When workers fail in some aspects of their jobs, their employers may have rights to sanction them. However, when workers are mistreated and retaliated against for no reason other than the ill will of their employers, they may have rights under the law.
There are different remedies for workers who have suffered retaliation, and their possible outcomes may change based on what they have suffered and the industry in which they work. Often, workers can fight to be reinstated to their jobs, have their pay and benefits provided, and seek compensation for their related losses. When retaliation happens, it is important that victims get case-specific advice. Employment law attorneys are prepared to support men and women who have been harmed by wrongful workplace retaliation.
