The Master of the Contract

You might think that as long as you're not doing anything illegal or immoral, you're clear when it comes to your workplace behavior. Unfortunately, that's not always the case; you could be the victim of various rights violations in the workplace. Before letting yourself get so far down the rabbit hole that you resign yourself to starting over with a new job, consider contacting an employment attorney and consulting with them about your options.

1. The Boss Is Retaliating for Exercising Your Rights

Has your boss warned you that you could lose your job if you take time off? Even if they don't follow through, that doesn't mean they won't start taking revenge. It could be as simple as giving you a poor performance review and cutting your holiday bonus, or it could be as serious as sabotaging your work assignments, so it looks like no one wants to work with you. If there is a clear retaliatory pattern, contact a lawyer.

2. A Coworker Won't Stop Harassing You

Your employer must protect you against any form of harassment at work. For example, if a coworker is sexually harassing you, your employer should take steps to stop it from happening. If your boss doesn't take action, it might be time to contact an employment lawyer about filing a complaint with your state's anti-discrimination agency or filing a lawsuit in court.

3. The Company Isn't Paying Overtime or Working Hours

Is your employer refusing to pay overtime even after official complaints and proving you've worked extra hours? If your employer doesn't pay you when you work over the officially recognized work hours in a week, there are laws to ensure that you get compensated properly. Contacting an employment lawyer could be the key to accessing your back pay in overtime hours. 

4. You Got Fired but Don't Know Why

If you were let go and don't know why, you may have been discriminated against or terminated because of retaliation (e.g., reporting harassment or workplace misconduct). Your employer must notify you of your termination and give you a fair hearing. This case may be difficult to prove, but it's possible when you have a good employment lawyer. 

5. You Think Your Job Is Unsafe for Your Health

If, say, asbestos is being removed from your building but is simply being piled up in another area rather than being properly disposed of, your health could be at risk. If your employer ignores your concerns, contact an attorney.

Are you having problems at work and think your rights are being violated? Book an appointment with an employment attorney to discuss these violations and build a case to pursue your rights.