Retaliation
Virtually all employment statutes prohibit employers from retaliating against an employee (and those affiliated with the employee) who exercises rights under the statutes, opposes suspected or actual violations of the statutes, or participates in internal or external investigations into suspected or actual violations of the statutes.
Unlawful retaliation occurs when an employer takes an adverse employment action against an employee, such as:
- Firing or termination
- Demotion or reassignment of duties
- Negative work evaluations
- Salary decreases
As an example, an employee with a history of positive employment reviews who complains about sexual harassment by a supervisor and is then suddenly reprimanded or terminated for subpar performance may be the victim of workplace retaliation. While this is an overt form of retaliation, covert forms of retaliation also occur; for example, when supervisors behave in a hostile or insulting manner towards an employee who has complained about mistreatment.
In addition, employees cannot be retaliated against for participating in an investigation or filing a lawsuit against an employer. In short, any action that could be interpreted as a punishment or penalty against an employee who makes a complaint may be unlawful.
If you are the victim of retaliation, you do not have to suffer or “deal with it.” The Schipper Law Group’s retaliation attorneys will explain all of your rights, explore every option, and provide you with aggressive representation when needed. We have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes inside and outside of the courtroom. Contact us online or call us at (248) 729‑2414 to schedule a consultation.
Whistleblower & Qui Tam
Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (WPA) protects employees who report, or are about to report, a violation or suspected violation of local, state, or federal law to a public body.