What is Employment Law?

Employment law deals with the relationship between employers and employees. It covers a broad range of issues, including things like:

Wage and Hour-Employers are required to fairly compensate employees for time worked; this includes overtime pay for hourly employees who work over 40 hours in a week and providing wages that at least meet the minimum wage. If you have not received adequate pay for time worked, or have not received legally mandated time off for breaks, you may be able to take legal action against your employer.

Sexual Harassment-Employees have a right to work in an environment free from harassment. Sexual harassment can come in the form of sexual jokes or innuendos, unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching, and sexual favors in exchange for promotions or other job benefits. Employers must make sure they provide employees with a safe work environment. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace by a superior or fellow employee, an employment law attorney can tell you what kind of legal recourse may be available to you.

Discrimination-Discrimination takes place whenever someone is not given a job, promotion or raise based on the color of their skin, age, national origin, religion, or sex. When job performance and experience are not the sole criteria for career advancement, discrimination may have taken place. If you suspect your employer of discriminatory hiring practices, contact an employment law attorney.

Whistleblowing-Whistleblowers are people who alert the authorities to the illegal or unethical practices of their employer. Oftentimes, whistleblowers lose their jobs or suffer other serious consequences for taking action against their employer. Such retaliatory action from an employer is generally prohibited in most cases of Whistleblowing. If you believe your employer is participating in illegal activity, it is important to speak with an employment law lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.

Wrongful Dismissal-Wrongful dismissal occurs when a person loses his or her job in a way that breaches the terms of his or her contract. This area of law can be tricky, so it is important to have an attorney on your side who understands employment law at both the state and federal level.

Workplace Safety-The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety and health standards in businesses operating in the United States. When workplaces fail to comply with OSHA regulations and put employees at risk of undue harm, they may be held legally responsible for their willful or negligent disregard of the law.