More employees are becoming victims of workplace retaliation than ever before. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports that there have been more than 46,000 cases in 2023 alone. Many workers now want to know their rights when employers punish them for speaking up about workplace issues. Let’s break down what counts as illegal retaliation and what you can do about it.
What is workplace retaliation?
Your employer can’t punish you when you report something wrong or join an investigation. Kentucky law protects workers who file complaints about discrimination, safety problems or wage issues. Your boss also can’t retaliate if you ask for workers’ compensation or take medical leave.
Signs of workplace retaliation
Watch out for these warning signs after you’ve made a complaint or helped with an investigation:
- Getting fired or demoted
- Having your work hours or pay cut
- Being moved to worse shifts
- Getting bad reviews after years of good ones
- Being left out of meetings
- Facing new rules that only apply to you
- Getting harsh treatment from bosses
These changes soon after you speak up could point to illegal retaliation.
Your legal rights in Kentucky
Kentucky gives you strong protection against retaliation. To win your case, you’ll need to show:
- You reported a problem or joined an investigation.
- Your employer took action against you.
- The action happened because you spoke up.
The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights handles these cases. You must file your complaint within 180 days of the retaliation. Keep copies of emails, write down what happens and save any proof of changes at work.
Not every adverse action breaks the law. But if your boss makes significant changes that would stop most people from reporting problems, that’s usually illegal. Many workers find these cases tricky to handle alone. A Kentucky employment lawyer can look at your situation and help you protect your rights.