Farm Labor Contractor Practice Test

What is considered illegal retaliation if a worker complains about the housing?

1. Offering to improve living conditions

2. Raising the rent

3. Providing additional services

4. Renewing the housing agreement

The correct answer is: Raising the rent

Raising the rent is considered illegal retaliation because it constitutes a punitive action against a worker who has raised concerns about their housing conditions. When workers exercise their rights to complain about unsafe or unsatisfactory living conditions, any negative change to their situation as a direct result of that complaint can be seen as a form of retaliation. Legal protections are in place to prevent such retaliatory actions, ensuring that workers can voice their grievances without fear of adverse consequences, such as increased financial burden through higher rent. In contrast, offering to improve living conditions, providing additional services, or renewing the housing agreement are actions that could be seen as supportive or neutral in response to a complaint. These actions do not impose a burden on the workers and do not reflect negatively on them as they attempt to foster a better living environment. Therefore, they do not qualify as retaliation under labor laws.