San Mateo Workplace Retaliation Attorneys

Workplace retaliation is a serious issue that can disrupt careers and livelihoods. It occurs when an employer takes negative actions against an employee for engaging in lawful activities, such as reporting workplace discrimination or harassment, requesting legal accommodations or supporting another employee’s claim. Acts of retaliation can create a hostile or intimidating work environment, discouraging employees from standing up for their rights. At Minnis & Smallets LLP, we are dedicated to helping employees who have been subjected to retaliation so their legal rights are protected.

Common Examples of Workplace Retaliation

Retaliation in the workplace can take many forms, ranging from subtle to overt. Employers may take adverse actions such as terminating an employee or demoting them to a less desirable role. Other examples of retaliation include:

• Unfair performance evaluations: Giving unjustified negative reviews to punish an employee.
• Reassigning tasks: Assigning an employee to demeaning or less desirable jobs to punish them.
• Harassment: Creating a hostile working environment through verbal or physical behaviors.
• Scrutinizing work excessively: Singling out an employee for undue oversight or reprimands.
• Threats: Using intimidation tactics to silence employees or discourage complaints.

Retaliation is not only harmful to the individual but can also undermine trust, morale and productivity within an organization. Employees should never face punitive actions for protecting their rights or standing up against unlawful treatment.

Legal Protections Against Retaliation

Federal and state laws provide strong protections for employees who experience retaliation in the workplace. These laws ensure that employees can speak out without fear of losing their job or facing other consequences.

Under federal law, employees are protected by acts such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If an employee files a complaint about discrimination, harassment or seeks lawful accommodations (such as disability or medical leave), they are safeguarded from retaliation.

California laws provide additional safeguards through statutes such as the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). These laws protect employees who report unlawful conduct, participate in an investigation or file claims about workplace violations. Importantly, an employee is protected even if their claim cannot ultimately be proven, as long as they had a reasonable belief that misconduct occurred.

Retaliation is unlawful whether it stems from verbal complaints, formal lawsuits, testifying as a witness or simply resisting discriminatory practices. Any employer action that discourages employees from exercising their rights is a violation.

How Minnis & Smallets LLP Can Help

At Minnis & Smallets LLP, we understand that retaliation can have lasting effects on career, emotional well-being and financial stability. Facing an employer’s adverse actions can feel overwhelming, but employees don’t have to stand up alone. Our experienced attorneys deftly handle cases of workplace retaliation and will work diligently to resolve all matters.

Contact Minnis & Smallets LLP Today

Workplace retaliation is a clear violation of one’s rights, and no one should endure punitive actions for asserting those rights. Employees who believes they’ve been subjected to retaliation should contact the San Mateo workplace retaliation attorneys at Minnis & Smallets LLP. Our firm has a strong history of securing favorable outcomes for employees who have faced unprofessional and unlawful treatment at work. Together, we can hold employers accountable.