As strategic Orlando Human Resources consultants, we’re always looking for the next wave to hit the workplace.  We’re barely into the new year and we now have a new ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that provides greater protection to employees–and their future spouses–from company retaliation.

In a nutshell, Miriam complained to a government agency that she was being discriminated against on the basis of gender because she was being paid less than her male counterparts. She also alleged that she had been demoted in her job because of gender. A few weeks after Miriam filed her charges, her fiance Eric who also worked at the company was fired. Eric then filed a retaliation charge.

In its 8-0 ruling  in favor of Eric, the Court said that firing a close family member amounted to retaliation and Eric, now married to Miriam, could proceed with his retaliation claim. The case, Thompson v. North American Stainless is a clear warning to employers.  And one more reason to train, train, train on these issues.  Keep out of these weeds. “We didn’t know.” is not a legal defense.

Rick