Leperi says the situation at work became worse after she complained about a boss who singled her out because she is a female. She says the boss excluded her from meetings and spread false rumors. Leperi, who works in Riverdale, Md., says she was given undeservedly bad job reviews and threatened with termination for taking military leave. Her lawsuit, filed in 1997, could go to trial this year. A USDA spokesman said the policy is not to comment on cases under litigation.
Many experts also wonder why so many more employees feel they've been retaliated against.
Some blame it on more vengeful bosses, saying employers are so weary of lawsuits they may be trying to silence workers who appear to be a threat. It prolongs the agony, and it's probably more harmful than the original harassment. The employee is beaten down. The rising number of cases and the threat of legal costs have consultants urging employers to do more to protect themselves. Companies should have separate policies banning retaliation, experts say.