What term describes an employer's illegal retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint?

The term that best describes an employer's illegal retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint is "adverse action." This concept refers to any negative consequence an employer imposes on an employee as a result of the employee exercising their rights, such as filing a complaint related to discrimination, harassment, or workplace safety issues. Adverse actions can include demotion, termination, reduction in hours, or denial of promotions.

This term is particularly significant in employment law as it highlights the protection that employees have against unfair treatment when they assert their rights. It's essential for employers to understand that any action that can be perceived as punitive due to an employee's complaint can be classified as an adverse action, which could lead to legal repercussions for the organization under various employment laws.

While terms like disciplinary action, reprisal action, and retaliatory response may indicate some form of negative treatment, they do not encompass the full legal implications associated with an employer's actions in response to an employee’s protected activity as "adverse action" does.