may also contact the Department of Labor (802-828-4000) or an attorney for an explanation of your rights.


Retaliation and Reinstatement


It is unlawful for an employer to fire you or negatively change the terms or conditions of your employment to punish you for exercising any of the rights described above. Of course, this does not mean that an employer may not fire you or take other disciplinary action against you for legitimate reasons, such as poor performance, misconduct or violation of company policies. If you believe that you have been fired or disciplined because you have filed a workers’ compensation claim, or because you reported or cooperated in an investigation of unlawful discrimination or workplace safety issues, rather than for legitimate reasons, you should contact the Vermont Department of Labor, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, the Vermont Human Rights Commission (if the employer is a state agency), or a private attorney.


If you have been away from work because you have been disabled by a work injury or because you have been on family, medical or parental leave, you may have a right to be reinstated at the conclusion of your disability or leave. If you wish to be reinstated, it is important that you notify your employer. If your employer fails or refuses to reinstate you, you should contact the the Vermont Department of Labor, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, the Vermont Human Rights Commission (if the employer is a state agency), or a private attorney.


On Your Own, 2008 Edition


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