Retaliation is one of the most common workplace violations, and it happens when an employer punishes an employee for standing up for their rights. If you were fired, demoted, harassed, or faced unfair treatment after reporting discrimination, harassment, or unlawful practices, you may have a legal claim for retaliation.
At Justice Legal Counsel, we help employees in Cook County fight back against retaliation and hold employers accountable. If you believe you’ve been retaliated against, contact us today for a confidential consultation.
What is Workplace Retaliation?
Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes negative action against an employee because they:
- Reported workplace discrimination or harassment
- Filed a complaint about unpaid wages, safety violations, or illegal conduct
- Participated in an internal or external investigation
- Refused to engage in illegal activity at work
- Took legally protected leave, such as FMLA or sick leave
Retaliation can take many forms, including:
- Termination – Being fired shortly after filing a complaint
- Demotion – Losing a promotion or being moved to a lower-paying position
- Cut Hours or Pay – Sudden reduction in hours or wages without cause
- Unfair Discipline – Receiving negative performance reviews without justification
- Hostile Work Environment – Increased scrutiny, verbal abuse, or exclusion from meetings
- Blacklisting – An employer spreading false information to prevent future employment
Legal Protections Against Retaliation in Cook County
Several laws protect employees in Cook County from retaliation, including:
Cook County Human Rights Ordinance (§ 42-41)
Protects employees from retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, or unfair labor practices. Covers public and private employees working in Cook County.
Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/6-101)
Prohibits retaliation for opposing discrimination or filing complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). Protects workers from employer retaliation after requesting accommodations for disability or religious beliefs.
Illinois Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174/15)
Makes it illegal for an employer to retaliate against workers who report legal violations to state agencies. Protects employees who refuse to participate in illegal activity.
Federal Laws (Title VII, FMLA, and FLSA)
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects workers from retaliation for reporting discrimination. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) prohibits retaliation against employees who take leave. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protects workers from retaliation when reporting unpaid wages or overtime violations.
Proving Workplace Retaliation
To win a retaliation claim, you must prove:
- You engaged in a protected activity such as filing a complaint or reporting harassment
- Your employer took an adverse action such as firing, demotion, or a pay cut
- There is a connection between the two, meaning the employer’s action happened shortly after you engaged in the protected activity
Strong Evidence for a Retaliation Case
- Emails, texts, or performance reviews before and after the complaint
- Witness statements from coworkers
- A timeline of events showing retaliation followed a complaint
- HR records of complaints and employer responses
What to Do If You’ve Been Retaliated Against
Document everything, including copies of emails, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions. Report the retaliation to HR or a government agency. Seek legal help if your employer refuses to act, as you may have a legal claim for damages.
Justice Legal Counsel Can Help
At Justice Legal Counsel, we help workers fight back against employer retaliation. We can file complaints with state or federal agencies, negotiate settlements for lost wages and damages, and represent you in court if necessary.
If you believe you’ve been retaliated against at work, don’t stay silent. Contact Justice Legal Counsel today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.