Retaliation consists of a negative employment action against an employee because the employee made a claim against the employer. Under federal whistleblower statutes, such action is strictly prohibited if the employee is engaged in “protected activity.” This means that an employer cannot retaliate against workers who exercise their rights under these statutes by doing the following:
- Firing or laying off,
- Blacklisting,
- Demoting,
- Denying overtime or promotion,
- Disciplining,
- Denial of benefits,
- Failure to hire or rehire,
- Intimidation,
- Making threats,
- Reassignment affecting prospects for promotion, and
- Reducing pay or hours.