Potential Retaliation After Filing EEOC Charges

Hi all,

I’m seeking advice regarding potential retaliation from my former employer. I filed discrimination charges with the EEOC on December 12, 2024, citing disability discrimination and retaliation. A few days later, on December 19, 2024, I received a notification from my state’s Department of Employment Security (DES) acknowledging an appeal filed by my former employer on December 14, 2024.

The appeal challenges a DES decision from November 4, 2024, which ruled me eligible for unemployment benefits. The original appeal rights stated that a written statement containing the grounds for appeal must be submitted within 10 days of the decision’s mailing, with three additional days for mail delivery. Despite having over a month to appeal, my former employer only filed their appeal two days after my EEOC charges were submitted.

The timing feels deliberate, and I believe this is an act of retaliation for filing the EEOC charges. I am also dealing with unresolved unpaid vacation wages, which are under investigation by the Department of Labor.

Has anyone faced a similar situation? How should I address this with my EEOC investigator? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!