Are employers prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing a discrimination claim?

Yes, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing a discrimination claim in Washington. This protection is provided by state and federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). Under Title VII, employers are prohibited from taking any adverse action against employees who, in good faith, complain about discrimination or harassments. This includes discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability. This protection also extends to employees who participate in the investigation of a discrimination complaint or file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Under the WLAD, employers are prohibited from retaliating against an employee for filing a discrimination complaint. Employers are also prohibited from discriminating against workers for making any oral or written communication to a public body regarding an alleged civil right violation. This includes communication to Washington’s Human Rights Commission or workplace discrimination laws. To ensure that employers do not retaliate against employees for filing a discrimination claim, Washington has put in place strong enforcement measures. These include the ability to seek damages such as back pay or compensation for emotional distress, as well as court costs and attorney fees. The law also provides for punitive damages to punish the employer. Because of these protections, it is important for employees to understand their rights and responsibilities when filing a discrimination claim.

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