Most statutes governing the employment relationship contain a non-retaliation provision prohibiting punishing an employee for engaging in conduct protected under the statute. Retaliation claims are now the most common charge the EEOC receives. This article provides a brief overview of the issues surrounding retaliation claims, with a focus on Title VII (and a brief discussion of New York City law); but the general analysis applies to claims under most statutes.
Retaliation means “to repay (as an injury) in kind; to return like for like; especially: to get revenge.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retaliation. “[R]etaliation is a form of discrimination.” Vega v. Hempstead Union Free School Dist., 801 F.3d 72, 82 (2d Cir. 2015). To state a claim for retaliation under Title VII a plaintiff must show (1) participation in a protected activity, (2) defendant’s knowledge of the activity, (3) adverse employment action, and (4) causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse action. Kwan v. The Andalex Group, 737 F.3d 834, 844 (2d Cir. 2013).
