You have protection from retaliation, provided to you through both state and federal laws. It is beneficial for you to know your rights and to understand what counts as harassment so that you can be prepared to move forward if this happens to you. You should not have to suffer additional emotional harm and mental duress after experiencing harassment in the workplace.
An employer will likely not be pleased that you reported harassment in your workplace. Even if he or she is not the perpetrator, these reports can lead to complex legal issues, the possibility of a civil claim and other complications. Employers may act against the reporting party, which is illegal. You should not face any consequences or other types of mistreatment for exerting your rights. Employers cannot act against you in the following ways as retaliation for reporting harassment:
These are all examples of retaliatory acts that you may face after you report harassment in your workplace. You do not have to suffer in silence.
It is in your interests to seek help when navigating claims for harassment in the workplace. If you believe that you are experiencing retaliation after reporting harassment, you may benefit from learning about the legal options you have. You can hold your employer accountable for these actions, as well as seek appropriate recovery for your mental and emotional duress.
]]>Many workers hesitate to speak up when someone is harassing them at work. Some think it might make matters worse. Others worry about retaliation, such as their employer demoting them, passing them over for a raise or terminating them from their positions.
If you have faced harassment in a North Carolina workplace, you can try to resolve the issue through various means. A logical first step to take is to meet with your employer to discuss the issue. It is a good idea to provide written details regarding the harassment that has taken place. You may also file a formal complaint. In some cases, there may be grounds for a lawsuit in civil court.
Article 21 in Chapter 95 is a state statute that prohibits retaliatory action against an employeewho has exercised his or her right to report harassment, even if an executive officer of the company is the individual who allegedly harassed the worker. The Commissioner of Labor receives and investigates complaints regarding retaliation against workers who have reported or threatened to report harassment in the workplace.
Not every type of negative behavior in the workplace constitutes harassment. For example, there may be a coworker with whom you do not get along and do not like working with on projects. If that person makes an unkind remark or refuses to cooperate on a project, it doesn’t necessarily qualify as workplace harassment. However, any unsolicited and unwelcome behavior based on your race, religion, political affiliation or other identifying characteristics that impede your ability to do your job or feel safe in the workplace constitutes harassment.
Some types of harassment involve a legal term known as “quid pro quo.” This means someone tells you that you must do certain things to receive benefits at work, such as engage in sexual activity to get a pay raise. If you file a complaint or testify in a workplace harassment lawsuit, you have protection against retaliatory actions.
If you are unsure whether a specific set of circumstances meets the legal definition of workplace harassment, it is wise to seek counsel from someone who is well-versed in North Carolina employment laws who can help you determine the answer and recommend a course of action to resolve the problem.
]]>If you experienced this type of treatment in your workplace, you do not have to navigate the complications you are facing alone. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused, but you do not have to remain silent. You can speak out about what you experienced and take steps to ensure that the responsible parties face appropriate consequences.
Sexual harassment in any form is unacceptable, and you do not have to tolerate this type of treatment. It may be helpful to learn more about what types of behaviors count as sexual harassment and how you can move forward as a victim. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment includes any type of unwanted advances of a sexual nature or unwanted physical contact. A co-worker, supervisor, employer or other person at your place of work may initiate this type of harassment.
In any form, harassment in the workplace is unacceptable, and there is no excuse for allowing it to continue in a professional environment. It frequently leads to the development of a hostile work environment, which can make it very difficult to go to work and do your job without fear, anxiety and continued duress. This type of treatment is grounds to pursue legal action in the form of a civil claim, which allows you to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for what you experienced.
It is difficult to navigate the complications associated with experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. You may feel uncertain, ashamed and fearful of suffering consequences for reporting the misconduct. These are all normal feelings, but you do not have to walk through it alone. You will benefit from seeking the insight of an experienced professional who can offer you support, guidance and insight regarding your legal options.
]]>