What if my employer retaliates against me for taking FMLA leave?

If your employer retaliates against you for taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave in Washington, you may be protected under federal and state laws. Depending on your situation, taking legal action may be an option. Under the federal FMLA law, retaliating against an employee for taking or requesting leave is illegal. If your employer does, they may have to pay damages to you. For instance, they may have to compensate you for any wages or benefits lost, or to cover other out-of-pocket costs. Washington state also has a law called the Washington Family Leave Act (WFLA). The WFLA gives employees protection against discrimination and/or retaliation for taking family or medical leave. This includes protection against being fired, demoted, or having your hours or pay cut. If you believe your employer has retaliated or discriminated against you for taking leave, you should contact an employment attorney. An attorney can give you more information about your rights and walk you through the steps to take. If it turns out your employer did violate the law, you may be entitled to back wages, damages, and attorney’s fees. Depending on the nature of the violation, you may also be able to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

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What if my employer retaliates against me for taking FMLA leave?

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