Just because you value your job does not mean you have a perfect relationship with your employer. It’s fairly common for employees to complain or disagree with certain work-related policies. However, in cases where you believe that an employer’s policies or demands are unethical or illegal, it’s important to speak up and take action.
As an employee, it’s normal to feel like your employer has all the power. When employees don’t understand their rights, employers may exploit their power and engage in activities that violate employment laws.
1. Discrimination
Discrimination is one of the most pervasive problems in American workplaces. People lose opportunities because they are discriminated against due to their age, gender, disability status or race. This is explicitly prohibited by multiple laws, and evidence of a violation could prove to be the basis of a successful case against your employer.
2. Harassment
Harassment is closely tied to discrimination, but it is not quite the same thing. It is a legal concept that describes aggressive actions. Single incidents of harassment may form the basis of a successful case, or you may have evidence of several injustices that add up to what becomes a hostile work environment.
3. Unfair Demands
The Family Medical Leave Act protects your employment in cases involving the birth or adoption of a child or when a close family member becomes seriously ill. If an employer attempts to stop you from exercising your rights under the FMLA or punishes you for taking FMLA leave, you may have grounds for action against that party.
There are many other ways in which employers may violate or obstruct your rights under federal employment laws. Do not be afraid to take a stand. Talk to an attorney today.
