What would be a fair settlement package for workplace retaliation?

Full question:

Have been w/ company for 20 years. Reported new manager to HR and Ethics Dept. because he had not paid hourly people overtime, but comp. time. He wanted me to do the same. Have been retaliated by him for 4 months. Company said they investigated claim of OT, but found out they did not. Company never addressed retaliation issue until now. What would be a fair settlement package? I worked my way up in the company w/only a high school education. Now am a Regional Ops. Mgr. making 80,000 a year. They have turned over to outside litigation attorney.

• Category: Damages
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Illinois

Answer:

Abuse of authority occurs when someone uses their power unreasonably to interfere with an employee's job. This can include humiliation, intimidation, threats, and coercion. Employers can be held legally responsible for harassment in the workplace. Courts may impose penalties on both the employer and the manager, even if neither was directly involved in the harassment. If an organization fails to prevent harassment, it may face serious financial and legal consequences.

The outcome of your situation will depend on the specific circumstances, including any losses you have suffered. For example, retaliation may have led to reduced hours or salary, or being denied vacation time. We cannot provide legal opinions, so it is advisable to consult a local attorney who can review all relevant facts and documents.

Actual damages can be measured, such as loss of income due to retaliation. Compensation typically reflects the real harm, loss, or injury sustained by the affected party and must be proven. This compensation does not include nominal or punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded as a punishment for particularly malicious or reckless behavior, and the plaintiff must prove the need for such damages by a preponderance of the evidence.