Speaking up about unethical or illegal workplace behavior is the right thing to do, but what happens when your employer punishes you for it? Workplace retaliation is illegal under federal and state laws, yet many employees face consequences for reporting misconduct. If you suspect you were fired in retaliation, understanding your rights can help you take action.

What is Workplace Retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes negative action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities. This includes filing complaints about discrimination, harassment, unsafe working conditions, wage violations, or other unlawful practices.

Retaliation can take many forms, including:

• Termination or demotion
• Pay cuts or reduced hours
• Negative performance reviews without justification
• Exclusion from projects or opportunities
• Unfair disciplinary action

Federal Laws Protecting Employees from Retaliation

Several laws protect employees from retaliation, including:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – Protects employees from retaliation for reporting workplace discrimination or harassment.
• The Whistleblower Protection Act – Protects government employees who report misconduct.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) – Protects employees who report workplace safety violations.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Prevents retaliation against employees taking medical leave.

Signs You Were Fired in Retaliation

Your termination may be retaliatory if:

• You were fired shortly after filing a complaint about discrimination or harassment.
• Your employer suddenly began documenting performance issues after years of positive reviews.
• You reported a safety concern, and soon after, you were let go.
• You filed a workers’ compensation claim, and your position was eliminated.

What to Do If You Suspect Retaliation

• Gather evidence (emails, performance reviews, witness statements).
• File a complaint with the EEOC or OSHA.
• Consult a wrongful termination attorney to explore legal options.

For guidance we recommend wrongful termination lawyers maryland.