Did you know that through the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, more than $273 million in back wages and damages for nearly 152,000 workers nationwide was recovered?
Employees are protected by laws to ensure that they will receive fair wages and that they are protected from discrimination and unsafe working conditions.
If you think that your rights as an employee have been violated, you can address workplace issues with the help of an employee rights lawyer. But, in what ways can your lawyer make a remarkable difference in your working life? Let us take a look.
Understanding Your Employee Rights in
Knowing your rights as an employee is the first step to creating a safe, respectful, and fair workplace. It directly affects your working environment and the state of your mental and physical health.
You have a right to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. You are paid for your work, including time rendered overtime, with meals and rest breaks during work hours.
You are also entitled to file unpaid leaves, Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees are entitled to keep their jobs for time taken away for certain personal reasons.
Understanding and exercising these rights empowers you to stand up against injustice and contribute to building a healthy, fair, and just working environment.
Common Workplace Issues Addressed by Employee Rights Lawyers
When issues come up at the workplace, an employee rights lawyer can help you understand the complications of your situation. A Los Angeles employee rights attorney says next to wage and hour disputes, employers also often misclassify employees to withhold payment for breaks as required by the law. If an employee is misclassified as an independent contractor, he or she loses out on benefits and protections.
Employees also suffer from unlawful termination due to discrimination. Employees are often removed from their jobs due to employers’ biases. Unlawful termination is a problem that too many workers face.
Harassment, whether sexual or not, creates an environment of hostility and result in employees having anxiety and worries even if they are just performing their duties and responsibilities at work.
The Role of an Employee Rights Lawyer in Discrimination Cases
Workplace discrimination can be one of the toughest things most employees have to go through. In the United States, 61% of employees have either faced or observed discrimination related to age, race, gender, or sexual orientation.
An employee rights lawyer will teach you what your rights are and the laws that protect you against discrimination. Your lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and put together an excellent case that backs up your claims. He or she will walk you through the process of filing a complaint against your employer or an external agency.
Dealing with Wage Disputes and Unpaid Overtime
If you feel that your wages are being manipulated, collect all of your pay stubs with time sheets and any correspondence with your employer. The federal and state laws require that the employer pay the employee for all time worked, including overtime.
Raise your concerns about your pay with your accounting department or manager. Do not hesitate to consult an employment rights lawyer if they refuse to pay. The lawyer will be able to evaluate your situation, determine if you have a legitimate claim, and fight for you in recovering your unpaid wages.
Ensuring a Safe Work Environment: How Legal Support Helps
Creating a safe environment has to be the top priority when considering employee well-being and productivity. In case of unsafe working conditions or harassment, an employee rights lawyer may come to your defense.
Your lawyer will explain your rights, outline available remedies, and guide you through legal steps to help you resolve these challenges. He or she can apply legal pressure on your employer, compelling them to take safety laws and address your complaints seriously.
By either reporting unsafe conditions or compensating for injuries, your lawyer will help solidify the hold of your case onto a solution. You deserve to work in an environment safe and healthy for you.
