The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 88,531 new charges of discrimination in 2024, reflecting an increase of more than 9% over 2023. Employees are entitled to a range of rights designed to ensure fairness, safety, and dignity in the workplace. However, violations of these rights can and do occur.
When workplace rights are violated, workers are left feeling powerless and exploited. Violations of employee rights include wage disputes, discrimination, and other serious issues.
For example, the law protects a pregnant woman if her employer denies her a promotion or does not provide the accommodation she needs. A pregnancy discrimination lawyer says if an employer terminates, denies a promotion, removes responsibilities, or demotes a woman who is pregnant or on maternity leave, she may file a pregnancy discrimination claim against her employer.
Let’s look at the most common issues in the workplace and how to seek help if someone violates your rights.
Wage and Hour Violations
Fair compensation is due to you for every hour that you work, including overtime. When you work hard to earn your paycheck, your employer needs to pay you for all the hours that you worked and performed the responsibilities of your job.
If you receive less than the minimum wage or do not receive payment for overtime work, your employer can be held responsible for wage-related violations. If any discrepancy is observed, one should not hesitate to inquire why they did not receive the pay they’re entitled to.
Everything should be documented, and the employer or human resources should be approached. If that doesn’t work, mediation with a labor attorney would help you know your rights while getting due compensation.
Temecula employment lawyer Tim R. Plewe says that employees should feel that they can come forward without threat of retaliation or other consequences if there are issues in the workplace. Employers should make sure that their workplace is free from any form of harassment or discrimination.
Discrimination and Harassment
Wage and hour violations are not the only types of rights violations going on at the workplace. Discrimination and harassment create an unhealthy working environment that won’t make it easier for you to give your best effort.
The harassment may take the form of the discrimination of sex, race, or age. Harassment can range from an inappropriate joke to making fun of the way you dress, your looks or your gender.
Documentation can help you in the event of any harm resulting from discrimination or harassment. You need to assert your rights if you feel that your work environment has become hostile.
Consulting a lawyer will just help you enforce your rights and compel your lawyer to take action against discrimination.
Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections
If you have reported workplace wrongdoing or a hazardous workplace, you may worry that your employer may retaliate. Truthfully, many employers use retaliation. Retaliation can lead to firing, demotion, or pay cutbacks.
You must know that your job should not be on the line if you choose to raise concerns. Legally, you are protected against retaliation. If you feel your employer retaliated, you need all the evidence to hold him or her accountable.
An employment lawyer will sit down with you to discuss your rights and explain what it might mean for your case. He or she can advise you on the appropriate channels while helping you to file the complaint. Do not let fear keep your mouth sealed; after all, you must also stand against any wrongdoing in the workplace.
Unsafe Working Conditions
It is obligatory for an employer to provide a safe and healthy work environment, but accidents that seriously endanger the lives and health of many workers still occur.
Workplace hazards including poorly maintained equipment, dangerous chemicals, and lack of safety training can injure workers. If you believe there may be safety concerns in the workplace, please inform a supervisor or report it promptly. Document the condition in case your employer doesn’t take it seriously.
That said, you are entitled to work in a safe environment. If your concerns go unaddressed, you may request that a lawyer assist you in submitting a complaint with OSHA or take a legal course of action. Don’t jeopardize your health because of unsafe conditions—exercise your rights and take a stand.
Wrongful Termination
Losing a job without prior notice can shock you, especially if your termination violates your rights as an employee. This falls under wrongful termination.
Wrongful termination occurs when you are dismissed by an employer for illegal issues such as discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract. If you suspect that you have been fired illegally, talk to a lawyer.
Your lawyer will have to look at your case, bring in evidence, and determine whether or not your dismissal was unlawful. With their assistance, you will be in a better position to understand your options and help you receive compensation for your termination.
Workplace issues are common, but when they happen and your rights are undermined, you can hold your employer accountable. A lawyer can be your ally in situations where you’re unlawfully discriminated against or terminated.
