Unfair work practices and employment disputes are not limited to blue-collar workers, they happen at all levels, even executives can experience them. Many workers do not even know or understand their work rights. They may be entitled to relief or compensation.

This article discusses the most common types of employment disputes so that employees can better understand worker's issues.

Women's Rights

Federal and state laws offer women many protections in the workplace that they may not know about. These include the right to a work environment free from hostility. Some of the issues women face in the workplace, and that many laws protect against, include sexual harassment, sex discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, not having the right to breast feed, age discrimination, lack of equal pay, lack of equal benefits, and lack of maternity and family leave.  

Sexual Harassment Discrimination

There are many laws that protect employees at all level from sexual harassment and discrimination based on religion, age, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and pregnancy.

Retaliation

It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for complaining about harassment or discrimination in the workplace. Retaliation can mean many things including demotion, termination, or loss of benefits including preferable scheduling.

Breach of Employment Contract

A breach of employment contract occurs any time an employer fails to act according to the provisions in the employment contract. If an employment contract states that the employer will pay a certain wage or provide benefits and the employer fails to perform and provide that wage or benefits, then they can be held legally liable.

Unpaid Wages

There are workplace fairness laws that can hold employers liable for unpaid wages. If an employee notifies their employer that they did not receive their wages and the employer still does not pay or provide an explanation, then the employee may be a victim of wage theft. Victims may visit their local labor law websites to find out how to pursue legal action, hold their employer responsible, and get the compensation they deserve.

Minimum Wage and Overtime       

Employees who work minimum wage positions, across many industries (retail, fast food, janitorial services, etc.) are often some of the most vulnerable workers and unfortunately many times employers take advantage of them. Many are not paid the minimum required wage by law or they do not comply with overtime laws, or they take advantage of them by taking tips that weren't theirs to take.

Wrongful Termination

Employers sometimes breach employment contract provisions and terminate their employee's employment wrongfully. An example would be if an employer fired their employee on the basis of disability discrimination.  

For questions specific to your employment law case, consult with a knowledgeable attorney.

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