If I Complain About My Boss, Can I Be Fired?

This is a question many people often ask. Work place gossip is common and many employees vent to each other about their higher-ups. Sometimes employees will even find it necessary to complain about their boss directly to their boss. In most cases your boss has the final say on your employment, and, generally, complaining about your boss is not a legally protected action. You can be fired for this. But there are some exceptions.

If your boss is being discriminatory about your age, race, or disabilities, you do have the right to complain and being fired for such complaints can be seen as illegal retaliatory action. Its important to recognize the difference between an employer that is being discriminatory rather than being rude or harsh. For example if your boss is making comments about your race being a reason why you are late for work or your age being an excuse for lack of performance, these raise legitimate legal issues and you do have the right to speak out about this. If your boss is simply bashing the entire team during a meeting for poor performance this is not discriminatory and thus something you can be fired for complaining about.

The lines between discrimination, retaliation, and simple harsh conduct by an employer are not always clear. Thats why its important to record any discriminatory remarks in a legal manner and consult an experienced Employment Lawyer about the issue before making any complaints. A simple consultation can save you your job and can help determine whether a legitimate claim of work place discrimination or retaliation can be made.

If you think you've been discriminated against or retaliated against, call the Law Offices of Anthony J. Pantuso, III at 203-726-0284.