Federal agencies take aim at workplace retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have announced a joint initiative to protect workers against retaliation in the workplace.

The three agencies will cooperate to enforce federal laws that protect workers who raise their concerns or speak out about their pay, workplace health and safety issues, discrimination, and other working conditions.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said retaliation is a “persistent and urgent problem” in the workplace.

The efforts will focus on educating the public about worker rights and unlawful retaliation. The agencies will also initiate a virtual dialogue with employers, trade and business associations, labor organizations, and civil rights groups about workplace retaliation issues.

The announcement does not create any new employer obligations, but it does provide the opportunity for employers to review their anti-retaliation workplace policies and procedures.