Pittsburgh Workplace Retaliation Attorney

Representing Victims of Wrongful Termination in Western Pennsylvania

It takes a great deal of courage and inner strength to stand up and address problems in the workplace. This is especially true when the problems are related to sexual harassment and other forms of employment discrimination. Unfortunately, many employees who make the bold decision to speak up will soon find themselves as the targets of retaliation, despite state and federal laws prohibiting such behavior. At Colianni & Leonard LLC, we zealously represent those who have not only been victims of sexual harassment but also victims of retaliatory behavior as well.

Understanding Retaliation in Sexual Harassment Cases

It is against the law for an employer to "retaliate" against any employee who files a complaint regarding workplace discrimination or participating in a proceeding related to workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment complaints. Retaliation generally includes firing, demoting, harassing, or threatening the employee, but may also include any other adverse actions or threats of action.

While such behavior on the part of an employer is illegal, fear of reprisal is among the most common reasons that victims and witnesses of sexual harassment refuse to come forward—and justifiably so, it seems. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports that nearly half of all employment discrimination complaints the agency receives include allegations of retaliation.

Common Forms of Retaliation

At Colianni & Leonard LLC, we understand that employers are not always receptive to complaints of misconduct within the company, but that does not give them the right to punish those who speak out or participate in an investigation. We also realize that while some forms of retaliation are more obvious, others are often subtle and more difficult to identify. If you have filed a sexual harassment complaint, you may also have a case for retaliation if:

• You were fired, demoted, or had your pay cut;
• You were written up, reprimanded, or given an uncharacteristically poor performance review;
• You were transferred or given a less desirable position;
• You were physically or verbally abused;
• You became the subject of increased scrutiny by management;
• Your schedule was changed to more inconvenient hours;
• Your employer made or threatened to make reports to authorities, including the police or immigration services; or
• You became the subject of false rumors.

It is important to keep in mind that filing a complaint or participating in a sexual harassment investigation does not mean that you are free from any and all consequences in the workplace. For example, you can still be reprimanded or written up for being late. Retaliation only refers to adverse actions that can be linked to your complaint.

Get the Help You Need

If you have experienced retaliation as the result of standing up against sexual harassment, contact our office. With more than 20 years of legal experience, we are committed to helping victims obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. You have suffered enough, and we are prepared to hold your employer accountable. Call 412-680-7877 for a free consultation today. There is no risk to you because if we do not help you collect compensation, you do not owe us anything. Colianni & Leonard LLC represents sexual harassment and retaliation victims throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.