There are state and federal laws that ensure employees and interviewees are protected from discrimination and able to work in a safe and healthy environment. When these employment laws are broken, employees have the ability to take legal action to protect themselves.
Employees are protected from workplace discrimination due to their race, gender, age, etc. Employment law also ensures that workers are protected and able to seek justice for sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
There are many reasons why an employee may seek an attorney that specializes in employment law, and it is encouraged for all workers to know their rights within the workplace.
Protection for Employees
Rarely do law firms specialize in employment law for both employers and employees. They generally either work on behalf of the employee or the employer. While employment laws offer protection for employers and serve many functions, its primary purpose is to protect employees from discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination.
Without employment law, workers would not be protected from unsafe work conditions, unfair pay due to their age, gender or race and wrongful termination though there may be eligibility restrictions, such as having to work for a company for a specified amount of time. There are many ways in which employees are protected by employment law; several of the more notable protections include:
- Hostile work environment
- Sexual harassment
- Wage disputes
- Wrongful termination
If an employee feels as if they are unfairly treated by an employer, then they should seek law advice to ensure they are protected.
Provides Protection Against Discrimination
It is understandable to feel helpless when discriminated against in the workplace. Employment attorneys provide help to discern when employment laws have been violated.
Discrimination is often based on several different factors. Most commonly, discrimination includes:
- Age
- Gender
- Nationality
- Race
If an employee is discriminated against, an employment lawyer can pursue action to bring accountability and in some cases, compensation.
Discrimination may present as wrongful termination due to certain characteristics or with unfair compensation for work, such females within a company consistently being paid significantly lower than male co-workers in similar positions. Another example of discrimination firing a woman for requiring maternity leave (see wrongful termination).
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination. Employment lawyers can defend and protect women and men who feel sexually harassed within the workplace. Employees who feel sexually harassed within their workplace should seek assistance from an employment lawyer to ensure the situation is properly handled.
Sexual harassment can have a negatice impact on work productivity and quality of life both at work and home. Sexual harassment includes inappropriate discussions, language or remarks about an employee’s appearance. It can also be a request, threat of, or actual physical or sexual act to an employee.
Regardless of the severity, no one should feel sexually harassed in the workplace. While addressing an employee about their behavior and how it makes the employees feel, may be all that is required, harassment concerns that do not resolve themselves often require assistance through employment law.
Wrongful Termination
Employers must have a fair and legal reason for firing you. If they do not, then it might be considered wrongful termination. Any employee who feels they were fired without just cause should speak with an employment lawyer to determine what options they have available.
There are many different types and examples of wrongful termination. An employer may unjustly fire someone because they filed a legal complaint. It could also be the result of a characteristic such as an employee’s race, gender or age. For example, an employer may fire someone for reaching a certain age as they feel the productivity of the employee might suffer due to their age.
Wrongful termination might also be the result of someone having to take a leave of absence for maternity leave, being diagnosed with a health condition or the need to recover from an injury. Employment lawyers can fight for employees who were wrongfully terminated.
Contact The Qualified Attorneys at The Brown Firm
If you feel your employer has violated an employment law, then reach out to The Brown Firm today for legal advice and representation. Our team of qualified attorneys will address your workplace concerns and ensure you are protected by federal and state employment laws.
