Many state and federal statutes, such as Title VII and the Florida Civil Rights Act, make it unlawful to retaliate against an employee for engaging in what is legally referred to as “protected activity”.
Anti-retaliation laws make it unlawful for an employer to terminate an employee in retaliation for:
- The employee complaining in good faith about discrimination.
- The employee complaining in good faith about harassment.
- The employee disclosing violations of the law.
- The employee cooperating or providing information to a government agency conducting an investigation.
- The employee refusing to follow a policy or order that is discriminatory.
It is also unlawful under Florida law to terminate an employee in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Retaliation can also occur after an employee has been terminated when the employer attempts to interfere with an employee’s prospects for future employment. Examples of post –termination retaliation include:
- Negative job reference to a prospective employer with retaliatory motive.
- Not providing a job reference to a prospective employer.
- Disclosing the protected activity in which the employee engaged.
If you feel you’ve been subject to retaliation, please call us at 954-617-6017 or use the contact form at right to contact Rob Norell for a free consultation regarding your rights.