New York Employment Lawyer Blog

A recent article in the The New York Times reported on a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding retaliation in the workplace. The Court held that a provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, Section 1981, permits the filing of workplace retaliation claims. Workplace retaliation claims arise when an employee makes complaints to their employer about instances of discrimination in the workplace and the employer responds with an adverse action. It was also held that this law covers both Federal and private employees.

This decision is a significant step in favor of employees because it provides recognition of the fact that employers cannot “punish” those who speak out against discriminatory acts in the workplace.