Hostile Work Environment MA from Employer Retaliation

Employee Rights

In the State of Massachusetts, all people, regardless of who they are employed by, are entitled to work in a place free from harassment and discrimination. The MGL 151B, the anti-discrimination statute of Massachusetts, shelters members of a protected class against unfair treatment, harassment, and discrimination. Employers are not permitted to discriminate, harass, or bully employees based on:

• Race or Ethnicity
• Religious Beliefs
• Age
• Disability
• Sexual Orientation
• Gender Identity

Other provisions protect against discriminatory hiring practices in the workplace due to criminal records, pregnancy, and genetics. Workplace harassment is illegal.

Intimidating Work Environment

In Massachusetts, employers are liable when managers or others working in a supervisory position, intimidate employees. Employers may be held liable for fostering a intimidating work environment. Companies in Massachusetts with six or more employees must have a written policy against harassment giving employees notice that workplace harassment is unlawful, and retaliation against an employee for filing a hostile work environment lawsuit is also unlawful. It is your virtue to insist that employee rights get observed and protected. Your fellow employee has the same employee rights as you. If filing hostile work environment lawsuits, you must take care not to foster disobedience, reject legitimate work, or encourage other employees to do the same.

Protected Activities

You, as an employee, have many protected activities. For example, you can testify on behalf of coworkers in discrimination lawsuits. You can file a discrimination suit. You can inform the employer that you will file a claim to encourage compliance, you can file a worker’s compensation claim. You can even take part in whistleblowing activities and expect your job to be protected. When suing for a hostile work environment MA, you must follow all of the protocols put in place to protect yourself and other employees from further threats, harassment, and detractions that make the workplace less than ideal. Failure to do so can threaten your chances to win a hostile work environment lawsuit settlement. Both parties in the complaint are expected to behave civilly and professionally throughout the case. Neither side should encourage others to engage in activities or behavior that adds more stress, tension, or hardship in the work environment.

Whistle Blowing Activities Protection

Employees reporting fraud, waste, abuse, or illegal activity are protected whistleblower activities. Employers can not discourage or prevent employees from reporting criminal activity. Under Massachusetts State Law, whistleblowers – or those who report suspected illegal activities, waste, fraud, or abuse – can remain anonymous while providing information to establish reasonable evidence that illicit activities are occurring. Further, whistleblowers have protection against threats and intimidation from employers or others. In Massachusetts, it is a crime to indirectly or directly intimidate or threaten any potential witness in a criminal or civil investigation conducted by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG.) If you’ve reported illegal activity in your workplace, and you’ve experienced intimidation or discrimination, a lawsuit against an employer hostile work environment is a straightforward approach to reforming the events taking place. Seeking guidance from an experienced and trusted workplace retaliation lawyer helps to protect and preserve your rights.

Workplace Harassment Lawyer

If you live in Massachusetts, and you feel you are a victim of job discrimination, bullying, or harassment because of your gender identity, religious beliefs, age, sexual orientation, disabilities, race, or ethnicity, you could hold a claim against negligent behavior in the workplace. You don’t have to wonder, “Where do I find a retaliation attorney near me?” The workplace retaliation lawyers at Law Office of Micheal O. Shea, P.C. are available to meet at a location near you in Boston, Fall River, Framingham, Lowell, Pittsfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, and Worcester. We listen to your story and offer guidance about what steps should get taken next. We help to protect you against unfair and illegal practices in the workplace. Contact or Call us to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation. We’re here to work on your side!