Employee Rights

Employee Rights Lawyer in Brooklyn

Fighting to Ensure Employees Receive the Fair Treatment They Deserve

If you work at a business or organization, you have specific rights defined by federal and state law. Unfortunately, not all employers adhere to the law, and many workers are forced to deal with wage and hour violations, sexual harassment, or employment discrimination, to name a few.

If you are an employee who feels that your rights have been violated, it is in your best interest to consult an employment lawyer who will evaluate your case. Miletti Law P.C., is a law firm dedicated to helping clients who have been mistreated in the workplace.

Please contact our Brooklyn employment rights attorney today by calling our law office to schedule a free consultation. You may also visit our website and fill out our free intake form, and our attorney will get back to you as quickly as possible.

What are some of the Federal Laws That Protect Employees?

Over the years, many federal laws have been enacted into legislation to protect employee rights. One of the most significant employment protections comes from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 1964. Title VII makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on specific characteristics, including race, religion, skin color, sexual orientation, or national origin.

The Family Medical Leave Act is a federal law that allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for family members, a newborn, or an adopted child. Other federal laws that protect workers include the Americans With Disabilities Act, which prohibits employment disability discrimination and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.

Businesses or organizations that violate employee rights laws can end up having to face the consequences in federal courts. For example, suppose you have experienced workplace discrimination, or your employer is not offering you reasonable accommodations.

What is the New York City Workers’ Bill of Rights?

The New York Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) published the Workers Bill of Rights on March 1, 2024. All employers are required to inform their employees regarding their rights under federal, state, and local law.

The information provided alerts workers to their rights regarding common employment issues, such as unlawful workplace discrimination or wage and hour violations. The publication also details workers’ compensation, disability benefits, and organization rights.

Other employment issues addressed in the NYC Workers’ Bill of Rights include:

  • Paid and unpaid leave
  • Minimum wage requirements
  • Employment and unemployment benefits
  • Scheduling agreements
  • The right to a safe and healthy workplace

No one should ever have to deal with unfair treatment or tolerate a violation of their rights. If you have employment law questions, contact our Brooklyn employment law attorney to schedule an initial consultation to learn more.

What are the Most Common Employment Issues Workers Face in New York?

Even with the federal, state, and local laws implemented to protect employee rights, many workers are still treated unfairly.

One of the most common issues employees report is unpaid wages or disputes regarding overtime pay. Under the law, employers must pay non-exempt workers at least minimum wage and overtime for hours they work over the 40-hour workweek. In other instances, employers often try to take illegal deductions from an employee’s pay or fail to issue final paychecks.

Sadly, sexual harassment is still a frequently reported violation. It should be stated that no form of sexual harassment should ever be tolerated, including unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.

Sadly, when many workers speak up against wrongdoing in the workplace or violations of their rights, they are subject to wrongful termination. Wrongful termination often occurs when employers retaliate against workers who file complaints, creating a hostile work environment. Generally, any retaliation by New York City employers is illegal and best handled with an experienced lawyer’s help. Miletti Law P.C., is fearless in standing up for employees whose rights have been violated and will fight to help you resolve your legal matters.

What Should I Do if My Employee Rights Have Been Violated?

Employees whose rights have been violated can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) or the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) or seek legal help from a qualified employment lawyer.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may also be able to file a formal complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as long as your job employs 15 or more workers. The EEOC investigates discrimination claims based on race, skin color, religion, and more.

Businesses with four or more employees may file complaints with the New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR) or the state’s NYSDHR.

Employment attorneys are also valuable resources for information. Depending on the situation, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against your employer to try and recover compensation for lost wages, back pay, emotional distress, and attorney fees.

Our employment law litigation attorney has extensive experience helping clients understand their legal rights and be treated fairly in the future. Our attorney can review your case to help you determine what course of action will yield the best results.

What Makes Your Employment Law Attorney the Best Option to Help Me With My Legal Issues

Even with the numerous legal protections in place, knowing what you can do to protect your legal rights may be challenging when disputes arise. For your convenience, Miletti Law P.C., is proud to offer various legal services designed to fit your employment law needs.

We have extensive experience handling cases in state and federal courts and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of labor law. When you come to us for help, we will review your case to determine whether it meets the legal criteria for filing a formal claim. We want you to know that we aim to obtain the best possible outcome for your legal matters.

Allow our skilled employment attorney to help you make informed decisions. We have extensive experience helping clients with mediation and arbitration, and, if necessary, are prepared to take your case to court to help you recover damages.

You can contact our Brooklyn employment law attorney by visiting our website and filling out the intake form, or you can call us at 314-648-2586 to schedule a free initial consultation.