Imagine this: You spoke up and reported a coworker who was constantly harassing you or maybe you told your boss that you felt like you were being treated unfairly because of your race or gender. But after you reported it, things got bad. Your boss started giving you all the worst work or maybe you were suddenly moved to a lower-paying job or even fired. That unfair treatment is likely retaliation, and it is illegal.
Missouri and Kansas law protect KC employees
If you live and work in the Kansas City area—whether in Missouri (MO) or Kansas (KS)—you have a right to a safe workplace and you have a right to speak up without fear of punishment. Under both state and federal laws, it is illegal for an employer to punish you for opposing or reporting discrimination or harassment.
So, what exactly is retaliation? It is when your employer takes a “materially adverse action” against you because you engaged in a “protected activity.”
- Protected activity: This means you complained about discrimination, harassment, or other unfair treatment based on a protected trait (e.g. race, sex, age, disability, medical condition, etc.). It also includes being a witness in someone else’s case or cooperating with an investigation.
- Adverse action: This is any action that would discourage a reasonable worker from making a complaint. It is more than just a dirty look. It can be something big like getting fired, demoted or having your pay cut. But it can also be subtle, like being given impossible work assignments, being excluded from important meetings, or having your schedule suddenly changed for the worse.
If you believe your boss took an adverse action against you because of your protected activity, you might have a strong retaliation case. The key is proving the connection—that the punishment came directly from the report you made.
How We Can Help You Fight Back
Navigating these complex cases is where a dedicated law firm like Holman Schiavone, LLC comes in. If you have been punished for doing the right thing, you don’t have to face your employer alone. We know the laws in both MO and KS and how to build a strong case showing that your employer broke the law.
We provide personalized guidance every step of the way. We will help you understand your rights, collect the necessary proof, and fight to get you compensation for lost wages or emotional distress. Your courage in reporting bad behavior should be rewarded, not punished.