What is employment retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes you for engaging in a protected activity, such as filing a complaint, reporting illegal conduct, or participating in an investigation.

How do I prove retaliation?

You must show that you engaged in protected activity, your employer knew about it, and you suffered an adverse action with a causal connection to the protected activity.

Can I be fired for reporting my employer?

No. Both state and federal law prohibit retaliation against employees who report legal violations [§ 70A.28].

What remedies are available for retaliation?

Remedies may include reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages, attorney fees, and in some cases punitive damages.

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Iowa Retaliation & Whistleblower Protections

Protections for employees who report illegal conduct, file complaints, or exercise their workplace rights in Iowa.

Iowa law protects employees who report illegal activity, file complaints, or exercise their statutory rights from employer retaliation §70A.28.

Protected Activities

File a discrimination or harassment complaint §216.6

Report workplace safety violations

File a workers' compensation claim

Report illegal conduct by the employer §70A.28

Participate in an investigation or testify in a proceeding

Exercise rights under wage and hour laws

Whistleblower Protections

Whistleblower protections in Iowa: Public employees protected from retaliation for reporting violations under Iowa Code 70A.28; Civil Rights Act retaliation protections also apply; no general private-sector whistleblower statute §70A.28.

Proving Retaliation

You engaged in a protected activity

Your employer was aware of the protected activity

Your employer took an adverse action against you

There is a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse action

⚠Timing is critical evidence in retaliation cases. An adverse action shortly after protected activity creates a strong inference of retaliation.

✓Document everything: save emails, texts, and written communications; note dates of complaints and any subsequent changes in your treatment at work.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (Employment Law)

Gather these before your first consultation.

Employment records

(pay stubs, contracts, offer letters)

Communication evidence

(emails, texts, performance reviews)

Witness information

(coworkers who can corroborate)

General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and employment situation.

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