Lawyers for Work Related Issues
Unites States Labor Law provides employees, labor unions, and employers a clear outline of their rights and duties. If you’re experiencing a problem at work and believe your employer is breaking labor law, it may be time to consider looking for lawyers for work related issues.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at several of the most common reasons people hire
Lawyers for Work-Related Issues
In most cases, the lawyers who handle work-related issues are employment lawyers and labor law attorneys. These two types of lawyers will help guide you through the complexities of the law, help you build your case, and protect your interests.
Before we dive into sharing how to find lawyers for work-related issues, we’d like to explore some of the most common reasons people end up requiring their lawyers’ help.
Here are 9 Reasons to hire lawyers for work-related issues.
1. Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is terminated under false pretenses in a way that breaks employment law. For example, an employee may be wrongfully dismissed if the employer terminates their position because of their race or gender. False accusations (e.g., claiming the employee stole) can also be quantified under this category if there is evidence to show the claim was incorrect.
In most states, employers are required to pay people severance if they terminate employment on short notice. This is true even in right-to-work states where employers can fire someone for virtually any reason.
It can be notoriously difficult to prove wrongful termination. Having an employment lawyer to help you navigate this complex topic is an absolute must.
2. Workplace Discrimination
The previous example (an employee is terminated due to their race or gender) also happens to be an example of workplace discrimination. EEOC, state, and federal laws all make discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, and age highly illegal.
It is important to note that workplace discrimination doesn’t only happen at the hands of employers. It can also come from other employees or even members of the public you encounter while on duty.
Your employer has a responsibility to address and stop this kind of behavior. If they refuse or are negligent in that duty, you may be able to sue.
3. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can occur at the hands of the public, your employer, or someone else who works with you. In either case, your employer is responsible to not only address it but also prevent it, whenever it occurs in the line of duty.
If they don’t, you may have the right to sue for compensation.
4. Contract Violations
There’s a common misconception that only freelancers and contract workers need to worry about contract violations. This isn’t true. In truth, even the documents you sign outlining your duties, rights, and responsibilities upon here are a form of a contract. If the employer violates the terms set out within your contract – say, changing your payscale or adding on new duties without compensation – you may be able to sue.
Related: Contract Lawyers Los Angeles
5. Whistleblower Protection
The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8)-(9), Pub.L. 101-12 was originally created to protect federal employees from harm (financial or otherwise) when reporting illegal or unethical behavior on the part of the government. However, employees of private businesses may also have similar protections if they report questionable behavior at work, too, such as safety or health violations. An employer who fires you because you reported a risk or problem is running afoul of the law.
6. Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining is when a governing body of employees negotiate for all or some of the workers within a company, usually over wages, terms, or benefits. This is most common within unions, where the union represents everyone at the same time.
However, there are other scenarios where collective bargaining may apply, such as when employees come together to protest unfair working conditions. This is still a form of collective bargaining.
As an employer, collective bargaining must be handled very carefully. Failing to negotiate the right terms, or violating any employment law along the way, can leave you facing tens or even hundreds of complaints from the group. Here, too, hiring a Los Angeles labor lawyer is imperative.
7. Employee Complaints
Earlier in the post, we mentioned that employers have a duty and responsibility to investigate complaints from workers. When one or more persons file a complaint of discrimination, harassment, contract violation, or some other harm, it is important to take action quickly – but you must take the right action, too.
Never try to handle employee complaints on your own. Contact a Los Angeles labor lawyer immediately for guidance to find a resolution fast.
8. Mass Layoffs
The economy still hasn’t recovered fully, and unfortunately, that means large corporations are sometimes forced into mass layoffs. As companies pare down, they must follow a long list of regulations in order to avoid breaking employment law. This can be as simple as the listed reason for layoff or as complex as an employee attempting to complain you fired them due to their race (even if it isn’t true). Hiring a Los Angeles labor lawyer to oversee the process is the safest way to proceed.
9. Benefit Termination
Employers also have to change or terminate certain benefits, such as health packages, 401Ks, or pension specifics. Often, this is more of a financial issue than anything else. However, it can be perceived as changing the terms of an employee’s contract – especially if no notice is given. In some circumstances changing or terminating benefits may even violate the law. If you believe you need to alter your benefits plan (adding or subtracting) it’s best to work with an employment lawyer.
Conclusion
Now that you know there are specialized lawyers for work related stuff, you can move forward in confidence knowing you’re working with the best type of lawyer for the matter. The process can be difficult to experience, but a professional will be there to guide you through the process.
Are you in search for a certified attorney to represent you?
Let us help you find one today!