Retaliation is unfortunately often used by Indiana employers to threaten and silence their workers on a wide range of topics including workplace safety. Such actions as demotion or wrongful termination are illegal, and OSHA and other federal agencies have the authority to investigate complaints and protect whistleblowers in specific circumstances. OSHA now provides an online form with special features for employees to report retaliation.
The risks of reporting workplace harassment
Some Indiana employees may be unsure of what to do if they witness sexual harassment in the workplace. Unfortunately, reporting sexual harassment on behalf of other employees can carry several risks. One man who reported seeing harassment in his workplace was demoted and then fired.
Employer sued after confusing FMLA leave and maternity leave
Indiana workers who are entitled to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act as well as maternity leave should be aware of their rights. In a New York case, a woman was fired for allegedly failing to return to work after finishing her maternity leave. However, it appears that the employer considered both leaves to run concurrently, meaning the employee was using both her FMLA leave and maternity leave at the same time.
Former Disney executive reports harassment, retaliation
On Aug. 2, an ex-Disney executive filed a lawsuit against the company alleging that she was fired in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. The woman says that two female employees came to her reporting that a vice-president had made inappropriate comments to them. Allegedly, he commented on the woman's appearances and voices. Some Indiana employees may have experienced similar treatment in the workplace.
DOJ claims law doesn't protect LBGT workers
According to the Department of Justice, civil rights legislation does not protect workers in Indiana or anywhere in America on the basis of their sexual orientation. This is counter to a position that the EEOC has held since 2012. The EEOC believes that it is impossible to distinguish between discrimination based on sex and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
