Four Tips To Understanding Employment Law As An Employee

Employment laws are subject to provincial and federal rulings. Typically, employers may legally fire, suspend, or discipline employees for any reason. In some states, such as at-will employment states, an employer can proceed with disciplinary actions without any reason at all.

However, federal laws protect employees from discrimination. Employers cannot discriminate against you based on your race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, familial status, or disability. You spend a lot of time at work. Due to the amount of time you spend every day with your employers, things may go wrong.

Not all infractions require you to find an employment lawyer. Employment lawyers are a great resource to help you determine whether or not you should seek legal action. If you are facing a serious work conflict, here are some tips to figure out if you have a legal basis.

IMAGE: PEXELS

1. Seek Free Advice

The first step in conflict resolution is to try and work it out with your employer. This may seem like an impossible task. If you have tried to resolve the problem yourself, you should write down the attempts made, dates, and gather any documentation pertinent to conflict.

Any lawyer will advise you to provide documentation in writing. Verbal statements can be argued as hearsay in court. If you have not been able to solve your work-related issue, many local lawyers will offer a free consultation.

They will advise you on whether or not you have legal grounds. Employment lawyers such as Levitt LLP will discuss your options and if there is enough evidence to pursue a lawsuit. They will also discuss their fees, including retainers.

2. Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unacceptable in the workplace. Sexual harassment includes verbal and physical unwanted advances. It is extremely unfortunate when an employee experiences sexual harassment in the workplace.

Every employer should have a chain of command or procedures to properly report sexual harassment. It is extremely difficult if the person in charge is the one sexually harassing you. Employment lawyers will help you navigate a sexual harassment lawsuit. This is extremely tricky if you

are still employed. A lawyer will read through your employment policies, procedures, and protect you from retaliation from the company. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, and lost work hours.

3. Discrimination

It is federally illegal to discriminate against any employee. Workplace discrimination includes unfair treatment in all of the following areas:

Age
Familial status
Religion
Race
Gender
Age
Disability

Federal law protects all Canadians from discrimination. If you feel you have been discriminated against in the workplace, you should immediately seek a licensed employment lawyer. Employment lawyers will come in handy if you feel you have been discriminated against.

It is important to understand employers cannot discriminate against you even before you are a hired employee. Unfortunately, discrimination can occur during the hiring process. If you feel you did not get hired because you were discriminated against, you should seek legal action.

An employment lawyer will create a barrier between you and the company. They will deal with the human resources department, the employer’s policies, and the employer for you. If you feel you have not gotten a promotion or were given a lesser wage due to discrimination, you should seek an employment lawyer.

4. Unemployment Benefits

If you were fired, you may apply for employment benefits. Employment benefits often are granted before they are approved. Employment lawyers can help you get and maintain these benefits if you have been denied. Employers cannot deny you employment benefits without providing certain documentation to fit the law’s requirements.

When you are fired, it is devastating. You still have bills to pay and need time to find a new job. Employment benefits will help you financially during this intermittent time. An employment lawyer will help you retain these benefits, so you can continue to pay your bills.