EMPLOYMENT JUSTICE
Workplace problems such as discrimination, unpaid wages, denial of leave, harassment, and retaliation leave many employees unsure where to turn or what laws apply. The truth is, there is no single law that governs workplace rights. Different statutes protect different aspects of your employment, and many state and local laws provide broader protections than federal law. Employees are also protected from retaliation for reporting violations, asserting legal rights, or participating in an investigation under many of these laws.
Each of the key laws below addresses a distinct area of workplace rights. What follows is a brief overview. Click on any topic to learn more about your rights and what to do if you believe your rights have been violated.
Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and national origin. This includes both hostile work environment and unfair treatment tied to any of these characteristics.
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Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Covers wage and hour protections, including minimum wage, overtime, and protections against being misclassified as exempt from the law. This includes workers who are wrongly denied minimum wages and/or overtime—either because they are misclassified as exempt from overtime, or as independent contractors when they should be treated as employees under the law.
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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities and prohibits discrimination based on disability.
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The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
Protects employees from discrimination based on age, including unfair treatment, exclusion from advancement, and patterns of bias or stereotyping that affect job opportunities. Learn More
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Allows eligible employees to take job-protected unpaid leave for medical or family reasons, including serious health conditions, childbirth, and caregiving responsibilities.
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Taking prompt action is essential for safeguarding your legal rights. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, harassment, underpaid wages, denied leave or accommodations, or been retaliated against. it’s crucial to understand the steps you must take to protect your rights. Learn more
proving your case:
All of the laws above include strong anti-retaliation provisions. If you report a violation, file a complaint, or request a protected right (like leave or an accommodation), your employer cannot legally punish you for it. Learn more
anti-retaliation protections:
Many workers are labeled as independent contractors when, under the law, they should be treated as employees. Misclassification is common and can result in workers being wrongly denied the legal protections and benefits—including minimum wage, overtime pay, and protection from discrimination and retaliation. Even if a contract states that you are an independent contractor, the reality of how you perform your work often determines your rights. Learn more