5 Important Employment Law Facts Every Employee Should Know
Employment law is a complex and ever-changing area of law. If you are an employee, it is important to know your rights and understand the basics of employment law, and how you can benefit from the services of competent employment lawyers. In this blog post, we will discuss five important employment law facts that every employee should know.
1. An Employer Can Only Fire an Employee for a Legitimate Reason.
An employer can only fire an employee for a legitimate reason. Some common reasons for firing an employee include poor performance, misconduct, and layoffs due to downsizing. An employer cannot fire an employee simply because they do not like them or because they are challenging the boss’s authority.
2. An Employee Has The Right to Sue Their Employer for Wrongful Termination.
If an employee is fired for a reason that is not legally permissible, they may have the right to sue their employer for wrongful termination. For example, if an employee is fired because they complained about discrimination or harassment at work, they may be able to file a lawsuit against their former employer. Engaging employment lawyers makes the process easy for employees, and gives a better chance of compensation.
3. An Employee is Entitled to Overtime Pay If They Work More Than 40 Hours per Week.
If an employee works more than 40 hours per week, they are entitled to overtime pay. The amount of overtime pay that an employee receives is based on their hourly wage rate. For example, if an employee is paid $15 per hour, they would be entitled to time and a half (i.e., $22.50) for each hour of overtime that they work.
4. An Employee Can Take Legal Action If They Are Sexually Harassed at Work.
If an employee is sexually harassed at work, they have the right to take legal action against their harasser. This includes filing a lawsuit or submitting a complaint through employment lawyers. Additionally, an employer is required to have a sexual harassment policy in place and to provide employees with information about how to report sexual harassment.
5. An Employee can Take Legal Action If They Are Discriminated Against At Work.
If an employee is discriminated against at work, they have the right to take legal action against their employer. This includes filing a lawsuit or submitting a complaint with the relevant state or federal agency. Discrimination is a serious offense and can result in significant damages.
In addition to the five facts mentioned above, there are many other important employment law concepts that every employee should be aware of. For more information, please contact an experienced employment lawyer. It could be useful to visit Levitt LLP for more information.