As an employee, you have certain rights and protections under the law. Unfortunately, not all employers follow the law. In some cases, you might not even realize that your employer is breaking the law. Here are a few of the most common unlawful work treatments you might encounter as an employee:
Unpaid wages or overtime
If you’ve worked hard and put in overtime hours, the last thing you want is to be shorted on your paycheck. Unfortunately, wage theft is all too common, and employees are often unpaid for their work. If you think you may be a victim of wage theft, there are a few things you can do to get the pay you deserve.
First, check your pay stubs to see if you’re being paid the correct hourly rate. If you’re supposed to be paid overtime, ensure that’s reflected on your pay stub. If it isn’t, reach out to your employer and ask why. It’s possible there was simply an error, but it’s also possible your employer is intentionally withholding wages. Don’t let wage theft go unchecked – if you’re not being paid what you’re owed, take action to get the pay you deserve.
Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace is a serious problem that can hurt employees and employers. When employees feel like they are being treated unfairly, it can lead to decreased productivity and motivation. Additionally, it can create a hostile work environment that makes it difficult for everyone to do their jobs. As an employee, it is important to be aware of the potential for workplace discrimination and take steps to prevent it.
One way to do this is to fight for a clear policy against discrimination and ensure that all the other employees know it. Additionally, you should ask the higher-ups to provide training for managers and supervisors on how to identify and prevent discrimination. By taking these steps, you can help to create a workplace that is free from discrimination and that everyone can enjoy.
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can harm your career. It’s important to be aware of the signs of sexual harassment and know what to do if you experience it. Sexual harassment can comprise unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual acts, and other spoken or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can also include offensive comments about someone’s sex life or body.
If you’re being harassed at work, you must tell the person doing it to stop. If the behavior continues, you may want to file a complaint with your human resources department or file a lawsuit. Sexual harassment is illegal, and no one deserves to be subjected to it.
Retaliation
Retaliation in the workplace is a serious issue that can lead to a hostile work environment. It occurs when an employee is subjected to negative treatment by their employer because they have reported misconduct or filed a complaint.
Retaliation can take many forms, including demotion, termination, and harassment. If you have experienced retaliation at work, it is important to understand your rights and options. You may be able to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or file a lawsuit against your employer. In some cases, you may be able to reach a settlement with your employer without going to court. However, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney before taking action.
Denial of benefits
If your employer has denied you benefits that you are entitled to under your employment contract or under state or federal law, they may be breaking the law. Examples of benefits that cannot be denied include health insurance, vacation pay, and sick leave. If you have been denied benefits, keep track of the specifics so that you can discuss them with an attorney and determine whether your rights have been violated.
If any of these sound familiar, you may want to speak to an experienced employment lawyer. They’ll be able to tell you whether your rights have been violated and what steps you can take next. Additionally, they can also help you file a claim with the appropriate government agency or file a lawsuit against your employer. With a good employment lawyer on your side, you can get the justice and compensation you deserve.
As an employee, you have certain rights and protections under state and federal law. Unfortunately, not all employers follow the law. If you believe that your employer has unlawfully treated you at work, keep track of specifics so that you can discuss them with an attorney and determine whether your rights have been violated and what course of action to take next.
