[WA] How do I handle employer retaliation and discrimination?
I also endured a hostile work environment with verbal abuse and consistent, significant delays (2-5 hours) in my work relief times, which I have witnesses to. While I won my initial case, my former employer is now appealing that decision, and my appeal hearing is set for July 1st. I am seeking legal advice regarding this appeal.
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Thank you for sharing those details with me. I understand this can be a difficult time, and I truly appreciate your openness. I’ve carefully reviewed everything and prepared your answer below. Please take your time to look it over, and don’t hesitate to reach out if anything is unclear or if you have any follow-up questions. My goal is to ensure everything makes sense and that you feel confident moving forward.
In preparation for your upcoming appeal hearing on July first, it is important to continue gathering strong evidence that supports your original claims of retaliation, discrimination, and hostile work conditions. Written witness statements can be especially powerful, particularly if they address the verbal abuse, delayed work relief times, and any knowledge they have of the promotional denials and your safety concerns.
Be sure to include any documents, emails, or records that show patterns of mistreatment or that contradict your employer's new claim of insubordination. If you have performance reviews or previous communications showing you acted professionally and met expectations, include those as well.
Since your former employer is now introducing a claim of insubordination, you should carefully review the details of this allegation. If it is a new or fabricated claim, the timing and lack of earlier mention could help show that it is not credible. You may want to prepare a short timeline that outlines key events during your employment, especially those related to your refusal to relocate, your reports or objections to workplace conduct, and any written responses from management.
Showing that your actions were reasonable and that any disputes were related to protected activity, not misconduct, will help reinforce your position during the appeal.
You also have the option of requesting legal representation or advice through local legal aid organizations, especially those focusing on employment rights in Washington State. If your appeal is being held before an administrative law judge or similar tribunal, you may be able to ask for a continuance if you need more time to gather evidence or prepare.
Be sure to follow all deadlines, submit your materials in writing when possible, and speak clearly to the judge about why the retaliation and discrimination you experienced were central to your original case and why the appeal lacks merit.
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I lost my job in Washington State due to retaliation and discrimination, including five years of denied promotions stemming from my refusal to relocate due to safety concerns.
I also endured a hostile work environment with verbal abuse and consistent, significant delays (2-5 hours) in my work relief times, which I have witnesses to. While I won my initial case, my former employer is now appealing that decision, and my appeal hearing is set for July 1st. I am seeking legal advice regarding this appeal.
I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. Can you provide more details about the reasons your employer gave for the appeal?
They are claiming to fabricate insubordination.
Have you gathered all the documentation and evidence related to the retaliation, discrimination, and hostile work environment that you experienced during your employment?
I'm meeting with my witnesses this Saturday to gather written statements.
Is there anything else the employment lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your appeal.
No.
Hello and welcome. My name is Daniel, and I’ve been a licensed lawyer for more than 21 years. I’m truly sorry you’re going through this and I'm here to help. Do you have any evidence like documents or witnesses that could help confirm what happened?
I’m following up to see if my last message reached you alright. Please let me know if you need me to resend it.
Thank you for sharing those details with me. I understand this can be a difficult time, and I truly appreciate your openness. I’ve carefully reviewed everything and prepared your answer below. Please take your time to look it over, and don’t hesitate to reach out if anything is unclear or if you have any follow-up questions. My goal is to ensure everything makes sense and that you feel confident moving forward.
In preparation for your upcoming appeal hearing on July first, it is important to continue gathering strong evidence that supports your original claims of retaliation, discrimination, and hostile work conditions. Written witness statements can be especially powerful, particularly if they address the verbal abuse, delayed work relief times, and any knowledge they have of the promotional denials and your safety concerns.
Be sure to include any documents, emails, or records that show patterns of mistreatment or that contradict your employer's new claim of insubordination. If you have performance reviews or previous communications showing you acted professionally and met expectations, include those as well.
Since your former employer is now introducing a claim of insubordination, you should carefully review the details of this allegation. If it is a new or fabricated claim, the timing and lack of earlier mention could help show that it is not credible. You may want to prepare a short timeline that outlines key events during your employment, especially those related to your refusal to relocate, your reports or objections to workplace conduct, and any written responses from management.
Showing that your actions were reasonable and that any disputes were related to protected activity, not misconduct, will help reinforce your position during the appeal.
You also have the option of requesting legal representation or advice through local legal aid organizations, especially those focusing on employment rights in Washington State. If your appeal is being held before an administrative law judge or similar tribunal, you may be able to ask for a continuance if you need more time to gather evidence or prepare.
Be sure to follow all deadlines, submit your materials in writing when possible, and speak clearly to the judge about why the retaliation and discrimination you experienced were central to your original case and why the appeal lacks merit.
Does all of that make sense to you?
I want to make sure everything is clear and easy to understand. If you'd like me to explain anything further or have follow-up questions, just let me know. If everything makes sense and you're comfortable with the information, feel free to reply with “all set.” Thanks!
