Why Should You Know Your Legal Rights as an Employee

Unfortunately, workplace bullying is still a common problem and can make your work life uncomfortable and disruptive. Even worse, if you are targeted because of a protected characteristic that is discriminatory in the workplace. The employer is responsible for ensuring that its workplace provides a safe environment and that employee complaints are handled appropriately. Some states also require companies to provide sexual harassment training to employees or supervisors. “A lot of organizations are fumbling,” says Laurie Girand, president of I`m With Them, a non-profit organization that advocates for victims of work-related sexual misconduct. Companies can directly or indirectly discourage employees from reporting problems, and many don`t have a clear code of conduct for their employees. Many employees worry about workplace issues or violations of the law by their employers. However, employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who file complaints, participate in investigations or report illegal conduct in which employers have participated. If you have exercised your right to complain about discrimination, security breaches, or fraud by your employer against the government, you can seek compensation through retaliation or wrongful dismissal claims. You are protected from reprisal for complaints, even if your underlying complaint is investigated and found to be unsubstantiated. Apply for companies with only five or six employees Created by FindLaw`s team of writers and legal writers| Last update 31. May 2019 Workers` rights help strike a balance between employer and employee.

With workers` rights, both employer and employee can be sure that they will be treated fairly. That is why workers` rights are so important! If you are an employer who has concerns about incorrect FMLA leave, contact Payroll and Hours with any questions about FMLA compliance and seek advice from your company`s legal and human resources departments. Provide resources to answer your questions about occupational safety or health The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal labor law that allows an eligible employee to take a longer leave. However, in some cases, a single incident may be serious enough to legally warrant action by an employer. “It could be a public humiliation,” Sarver says. “It could be the fumbling of a colleague at a Christmas party.” To be eligible for family leave, you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months – and during that time, you must have worked at least 1250 hours. The minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for covered and non-exempt employees as of July 24, 2009. Learn more about minimum wage in the Fair Labour Standards Act (FLSA). If you have any questions about the minimum wage, please contact your state employment office. If you have unanswered questions about FMLA or believe someone has violated your rights under FMLA, contact the Department of Wages and Hours of Work at the Ministry of Labor for assistance.

This right concerns the safety of the employee during work. Employers must ensure a safe working environment and ensure that their employees are not exposed to risks that could harm them. Otherwise, they could be held responsible for any injury that occurs. To file a complaint, contact your national, local, or tribal labor law office. Verification of professional qualifications: Some examinations may include verification of professional licences and certifications, as well as whether the candidate or employee has previously been disciplined. If you`re not aware of your rights as an employee, you may not immediately realize that you`re being ridiculed, excluded, or setting unrealistic goals, and you may not know how to manage them. And it can be even harder to analyze if your colleagues or employer behave in a discriminatory way, for example: using discriminatory slang or hiring different genders for different roles. These rights are based on federal laws on discrimination in the workplace. Other federal, state, or local laws may also apply to your business. Federal, state, and local government websites may contain additional information about these laws.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.