Employee Benefit News for School, City and County Employers

EEOC Issues New Workplace Retaliation COVID-19 FAQs

Written by Valerie Ortiz | Dec 2, 2021 6:40:41 PM

1 minute read

According to federal agencies, retaliation claims have risen each year for the last 20 years.

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes a materially adverse action against an applicant or employee for asserting rights protected by law. Retaliation may include actions such as negative or lowered evaluations, work-related threats, warnings, or reprimands, transfers to less prestigious or less desirable work or work locations, or unjustified excessive scrutiny of work or attendance.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has added FAQs to their existing guidance on COVID-19 and fair employment issues. They address anti-retaliation protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal laws prohibiting discrimination.

Employer obligations remain the same. The FAQs explain how the existing provisions apply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers should become familiar with the EEOC’s full guidance and review their policies to ensure compliance.

Download the bulletin for more details.

This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.