Much like their employees, supervisors must also adhere to certain standards and rules. Failure to do so can result in employment law violations, which can lead to serious legal issues for a business and its management team.
While it can be an intimidating process, identifying whether your boss behaves illegally is the first step to pursuing justice. Here are a few things to look for.
Failure to provide proper compensation
If you work over 40 hours in one work week and are not an exempt employee, you must receive overtime pay. Additionally, all workers must receive either the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher where you live. If your employer fails to compensate you fairly, they are in direct violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Retaliation for lawful acts
You are fully within your right to make hazardous conditions or workplace violations known to the proper entities. Additionally, your supervisor cannot retaliate against you by firing you, reducing your pay, or demoting you to a lesser position. However, the violations must be significant, such as illegal happenings, in order for state or federal whistleblower laws to apply. Minor infractions typically are not included in these statutes.
Ignoring a hostile workplace environment
Repeated abuse or harassment from co-workers or supervisors creates a hostile work environment, which is against the law. Additionally, employers must respond to these complaints sufficiently, or they may face legal reprisal. For instance, your employer must take action after receiving information about harassment or discrimination.
All workers have legal protection when faced with workplace violations. Accordingly, employers must ensure they conduct themselves appropriately at all times.
