Retaliation is an illegal action by an employer. It refers to punishing or penalizing an employee for coming forward about an issue in the workplace, such as sexual harassment, discrimination or a safety hazard. Retaliation can refer to any adverse employment action that occurs as a result of filing a complaint or going to human resources with a problem.
Retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment is a separate offense under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Title VII protects employees and job applicants from being punished for making a charge, testifying, assisting or participating in any charge of unlawful discrimination or harassment. If you are taking legal action against your workplace for sexual harassment, be sure to also include any retaliatory behaviors by your employer, as this is also a punishable offense.