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What is retaliation in the workplace?

Retaliation in the workplace refers to any adverse action taken by an employer against an employee because the employee engaged in protected activity.  Protected activity can include actions such as filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, participating in an investigation of such complaints, opposing discriminatory practices, or exercising rights under employment laws such as requesting reasonable accommodations or taking medical leave. Both Washington State law, through the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), and federal law, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibit retaliation in the workplace. Retaliation can take various forms, including termination, demotion, reduction in pay or hours, denial of promotion or benefits, harassment, or any other adverse treatment that would dissuade a reasonable person from engaging in protected activity.


If you believe you are experiencing retaliation, it's important to document any instances of adverse treatment and keep records of communications or actions that support your claim, especially your initial report or complaint. These reports can be to your manager, supervisor, or HR. This documentation can be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action. Your employer may also have resources and/or policies and procedures related to reporting concerns you have related to protected activities and retaliation and how to communicate with them about your concerns.

Should you have any questions about your rights as an employee who is on or has experienced retaliation and are concerned about possible adverse action from your employer, reach out to a lawyer immediately.


These resources are available to the public for additional information and potential action that you may wish to take. We recommend contacting a lawyer before filing a charge with the WSHRC or EEOC as these entities’ functions are not to represent or advocate for employees as a private lawyer.

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