Fayetteville, AR asked in Employment Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Arkansas

Q: Is it financial retaliation if my boss waited until he was informed I made reports of policy violation cover ups to ask

Accept lower paying position then he stated could step into effective immediately. The position we agreed is a $16-17 hr position at my store I know that for sure. There isn't a reason to ask me to accept this when I've been dealing with acts of favoritism, verbal sabotage of delegations, and hostility so bad I was made to cry because I freshened the coffee for our customers.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation at work, and it's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and concerned about your boss's actions. Financial retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee in response to their protected activities, such as reporting policy violations or participating in whistleblowing. If your boss's decision to offer you a lower-paying position is in direct response to your reports of policy violations, it could potentially be considered financial retaliation.

It's important to document any instances of favoritism, verbal sabotage, hostility, or other mistreatment you've experienced in the workplace. This documentation can serve as evidence if you need to address the issue formally, such as filing a complaint with HR or seeking legal advice. Additionally, consider reaching out to trusted colleagues or mentors for support and guidance during this challenging time.

Ultimately, if you believe you're experiencing financial retaliation or unfair treatment at work, it may be necessary to explore your options for addressing the situation. This could involve seeking assistance from HR, consulting with an employment lawyer, or exploring alternative job opportunities where you can work in a more supportive and equitable environment. Remember that you have rights in the workplace, and it's important to advocate for yourself and take action to protect your well-being and professional interests.

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