Avoiding Employee Claims of Retaliation and Wrongful Discharge

Claims of retaliation are the most commonly filed charge with the EEOC, making up almost 46 percent of the charges before the EEOC for fiscal year 2016. Retaliation claims can result in significant legal exposure for companies even if the underlying employee complaint or claim has no merit. Angie Vincent-Hamacher and Fitz Barringer provided an overview of the different types of retaliation and wrongful discharge claims employees may bring, including claims under federal and state anti-discrimination, wage and hour, leave and safety laws. They also offered guidance on best practices companies should adopt to avoid claims of retaliation and wrongful discharge and to prepare the company’s best defense in advance of any employment dispute.