What does “unlawful retaliation” refer to in employment law?

Unlawful retaliation in employment law specifically refers to actions taken by an employer that adversely affect an employee for asserting their rights under employment laws. This concept is crucial because it protects employees from facing negative consequences, such as termination, demotion, harassment, or other forms of discrimination after they engage in legally protected activities—like filing a complaint about discrimination, participating in an investigation, or reporting unsafe working conditions.

The law is designed to ensure that employees can exercise their rights without fear of retribution. For example, if an employee reports workplace safety violations and subsequently receives a negative performance review or is demoted, this could constitute unlawful retaliation.

Understanding this concept helps to recognize the safeguards in place for employees, ensuring they can advocate for their rights without the threat of adverse actions from their employer.