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The US Department of Labor outlines more than 180 laws surrounding employees’ rights. However, many employees in this country barely know any of them. You deserve fair and equitable treatment in the workplace; if you’re not being treated fairly or equitably, tell your story to an employment attorney. Know the laws and whether your workers’ rights are being violated.
Basic Employee Rights
Let’s look at a few of the most basic rights you have as a worker:
- You deserve to work in an environment free of harassment, be it physical, digital, or otherwise.
- If you work more than 40 hours a week, you deserve to be paid for that overtime.
- You are entitled to receive at least minimum wage for your work. In Idaho, that wage is the same as the federal minimum: $7.25 per hour.
- You have a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of your race, sex, disability status, religion, age, or nation of origin.
Common Violations
The employment law experts at Rossman Law Group are accustomed to dealing with a variety of workers’ rights violations, but there are a few that pop up more often than others:
- Workplace harassment: This is an unfortunately common occurrence, one that can interfere with your ability to do your job. Your employer—notably its HR department—has a responsibility to investigate all harassment claims.
- Unpaid overtime: This is a frustrating cost-cutting measure that many employers think they can get away with. You are entitled to 1.5 times your regular wage (“time and a half”) for each hour you work over 40 per week.
- Wrongful termination: This can be difficult to parse in an “at-will” state such as Idaho. “At will” means your employer can fire you for no reason—but not any reason. If you are a member of a protected class and suspect that your employer fired you for discriminatory reasons, talk to an attorney.
What You Can Do
If you believe that your rights are being violated in the workplace, you’re not alone. Many institutions, such as the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and the Department of Labor itself, are dedicated to protecting workers’ rights. If you work overtime and don’t see compensation on your pay stub, bring them to a wage claim attorney and discuss your options. Your employer may have to pay you all the back wages you earned. Furthermore, some folks who experience workplace harassment don’t report it out of fear of termination. Talk to your attorney about how whistleblower protection laws can help you when you’re fighting harassment.
Are your workers’ rights being violated? It’s helpful to know the laws and how they affect your unique situation. Call Rossman Law Group for an empathetic, detailed legal consultation.
