4 Reasons To Call An Employment Attorney

If you feel you have been treated unfairly by your employer and have subsequently suffered a loss, you may benefit from consulting an employment attorney. Workers have rights that are mandated on state and federal levels. You should always try to work out the issue with your employer or human resources first, but if that fails, you should consider pursing compensation on a higher level. If several coworkers are filing the same complaint, the case may become a class-action lawsuit. Here are some examples of violations made against workers by employers.

1. Unpaid Time Off
Some workers are entitled to receive paid time off on an annual basis, including sick and vacation leave. This is generally reserved for full-time employees who meet certain requirements such as being employed with the company for a certain amount of time. However, there are many situations where an employee requires additional days off due to personal matters. When an emergency arises, in some states you do have rights to request time off without punishment or fear of losing your job. You also are legally required to be given time to vote, even if you are scheduled for work. If you were fired due to taking time off, you may wish to contact an employment attorney.

2. Tips
In some states, tips can be deducted from the hourly wage. But there are strict laws regarding this practice. At the end of the week or month, the total wages including tips should be at least equal to what the minimum wage for the same amount of hours would be. If it is less, the employer may have to make up the difference. However, there are several states where tips are collected exclusively on top of the hourly wages. If your boss requires you to pool your tips with other workers, there are also strict guidelines regarding this practice. If your tips are being taken or you are not receiving an adequate hourly wage, you should consider taking legal action.

3. Discrimination
Do you feel you have been discriminated against by an employer? Discrimination comes in many forms, from unfair hiring practices, to prejudiced comments, to unreasonable dismissal. Proving discrimination can be complex, however, and will require the expertise of an employment attorney. It is important to keep track of all incidents and retain evidence such as questionable emails and documented verbal exchanges. You may also find that other employees have been similarly affected, which can further strengthen your case.

4. Harassment
Like discrimination, nobody has a right to harass you in the workplace. Harassment can be a fairly common complaint that is often kept hushed due to social stigmas. If you feel uncomfortable with the work environment, whether it is due to a constant stream of dirty jokes or a coworker making suggestive statements, you don't have to put up with it. If confrontation with the harasser yields no results, or you feel as if they may react aggressively, complain to your superiors. If that still doesn't work, it may be time to seek a lawyer.