Your Workplace Rights

Your Rights

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New Trump Administration Executive Orders and Laws Impacting Workers

Recent executive orders and policy changes at the federal level may affect workers’ rights, workplace protections, and enforcement of labor laws. These changes can influence areas such as discrimination protections, union rights, workplace safety, and government employment policies.

Stay informed about how new laws and executive actions may impact your rights at work and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

DEI – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives play an important role in promoting fair and inclusive workplaces. Recent federal policy changes have scaled back DEI efforts within the government, which may also influence state policies and private employers.

These developments raise concerns about the future of workplace protections, anti-discrimination efforts, and equal opportunity for workers. While key legal protections remain in place, it is important to stay informed and understand your rights.

Contratación y clasificaciones

Workplace Fairness was founded in 1994 as the National Employee Rights Institute (NERI). The name of the organization was changed in 2001 to reflect our effort to link the knowledge and work of employment rights attorneys with that of non-legal organizations and other individuals who are concerned with issues of fairness in the workplace.

Working together, professionals and citizens concerned with issues of workplace fairness more effectively build community awareness of workplace issues and promote progressive changes in employment law, policies, and practices.

Discriminación

Are you being treated differently at work? If so, is it because of your race, sex, age, disability, national origin or religion? Wondering what other kinds of discrimination are illegal?

Get the facts on workplace discrimination here.

Salarios impagados/Problemas salariales y horarios

Not getting paid what your employer owes you? Are you forced to work overtime, but not receiving any extra pay? Get the facts on “wage and hour” laws here.

Harrassment & Other Workplace Problems

Whether you’re being pressured to have sex with your boss, forced to listen to foul language or slurs, or wondering whether the comment you made might get you in trouble, you’ll find this information on harassment and other problems you might encounter on the job to be helpful.

Prestaciones y hojas

Para la mayoría de los empleados, el trabajo no es sólo cuestión de sueldo, sino también de prestaciones. Baja por enfermedad, baja por incapacidad, baja por motivos familiares o médicos... los distintos tipos de baja de los que puede disfrutar pueden resultar confusos. Infórmese aquí sobre la cobertura sanitaria, las pensiones, el derecho a las bajas y otros datos relacionados con las prestaciones.

Privacidad y vigilancia en el lugar de trabajo

Is somebody watching you? It just might be your employer. Find out here what rights to privacy in the workplace you do and do not have.

Denuncias y represalias

Fighting back when you see your employer doing something wrong can be scary, and risky. But there are laws that can protect you in a number of situations. Learn more about how you might be protected when you blow the whistle or challenge illegal conduct.

Health & Safety/Workplace Injuries

Is your workplace unsafe? Are you worried about getting hurt at work? Wondering what to do about it? Have questions about the workers’ compensation system? Find the answers here.

Sindicatos y acción colectiva

¿Te enfrentas a una campaña de sindicalización en el trabajo (o quieres participar en una)? ¿Ya es miembro de un sindicato pero no entiende cómo funcionan las cosas? ¿Le han despedido por organizarse o afiliarse a un sindicato? En esta sección encontrará información sobre su derecho a organizarse y afiliarse a un sindicato, y sobre cómo funcionan los sindicatos.

Despido y desempleo

Tanto si le han despedido repentinamente, como si le han cesado o le han pedido que dimita, querrá saber qué ocurre ahora que se ha quedado sin trabajo.

Intern Rights at Work

If you’re hoping to obtain a government internship in the future, or if you’re a current intern struggling to navigate the work field and want to learn more about your rights, this is for you!

Derechos reproductivos

Reproductive rights, including the ability to decide whether and when to have children, are critical to an individual’s health and economic well-being. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, access to legal abortion has changed significantly, with many states moving to restrict or ban abortion.

These changes may also impact the workplace, raising questions about employee rights, healthcare access, and employer responsibilities. 0399obot It is important to understand how evolving laws may affect you and your workplace protections.

Derechos de los empleados federales

Federal employees have important rights protected by the U.S. 0399obot Constitution and federal laws, including protections related to free speech, due process, and fair working conditions. Government employment is also governed by specific rules regarding hiring, pay, and union participation.

Recent developments, including policy changes and legal challenges, may impact federal workers and workplace protections. It is important to stay informed about how these changes could affect your rights and employment.

Trabajadores autónomos

The gig economy is changing how people work, offering flexibility through roles like freelance, contract, and on-demand jobs. While gig work can provide independence, many workers do not receive traditional benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans.

As this workforce grows, laws and protections for gig workers continue to evolve. It’s important to understand your rights and how they apply to non-traditional work arrangements.

Human Trafficking & Sex Workers

Human trafficking, also known as modern slavery, involves exploiting individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex. It affects millions of people worldwide and can occur in any community, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Because trafficking is often hidden, it’s important to recognize the risks, understand your rights, and know what protections and resources are available. Laws exist to hold traffickers accountable and support victims.

Prisoner Rights

Understanding the rights of incarcerated individuals is essential to ensuring fair treatment and dignity within the justice system. Federal laws provide protections related to conditions of confinement, access to healthcare, and basic human rights.

Additional state laws may offer further protections, particularly regarding labor and working conditions for incarcerated individuals. Staying informed can help ensure accountability and the protection of these rights.

The Worker Experience Podcast

The Worker Experience, hosted by Edgar Ndjatou, explores important workplace issues and workers’ rights with expert guests. Each episode provides practical insights and legal knowledge to help workers better understand and advocate for their rights.

Valorar su caso

Taking action against an employer can raise many important questions, especially in the early stages of a case. While answers may not always be straightforward, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions.

This section provides guidance to help you better understand your options and how legal professionals evaluate these situations.

¿Necesito un abogado?

Employment disputes can be complex, and employers often have more experience and resources to handle legal claims. In many cases, having an attorney is essential to protect your rights, understand your options, and navigate the legal process effectively.

Speaking with a lawyer early can help you evaluate your situation, preserve important evidence, and avoid costly mistakes—especially if you are facing termination, signing legal documents, or considering legal action.

¿Aceptará un abogado mi caso?

If you’re considering legal action, understanding how lawyers evaluate and handle cases can help you prepare. Law firms may screen cases differently, and initial consultations may involve fees. Being organized, honest, and prepared with relevant documents can improve your chances of receiving helpful guidance.

Attorneys consider several factors before taking a case, including the strength of the claims, available evidence, potential damages, and overall likelihood of success. While no lawyer can guarantee an outcome, they can help you understand your options and the risks involved.

Mitigación

If you take legal action against an employer, you have a duty to “mitigate” your damages—meaning you must take reasonable steps to reduce your losses. This may include actively looking for a new job or seeking appropriate medical treatment if you’ve been injured.

While you are not required to accept just any job, you should make a good faith effort to find comparable work and keep records of your efforts. Failing to do so could reduce the compensation you receive, even if you win your case.

Demandas colectivas

An employment class action allows a group of employees to bring a single lawsuit against an employer for similar unlawful actions, such as discrimination or unfair practices. These cases help workers collectively enforce their rights when individual claims may be too costly or complex to pursue alone.

While class actions can be effective, they involve specific legal requirements and may take longer to resolve than individual cases. Understanding how they work can help you decide the best course of action.

Reclamaciones a organismos públicos

If your workplace rights have been violated, you may need to file a complaint with a federal or state agency. Claims are typically submitted in writing and should include key details such as your information, your employer’s details, a description of the issue, and relevant dates.

Many claims have strict deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly. After filing, the agency may investigate, request information, and attempt to resolve the issue. In some cases, filing with an agency is required before taking legal action in court.

Honorarios de abogados

Lawyers may charge a fee for an initial consultation, though some offer reduced or free consultations depending on the case. Fee structures vary and can include hourly rates, contingency fees (paid only if you win), or a combination of both.

It’s important to understand how your lawyer will be paid before moving forward. Even if you don’t have a case, the consultation can provide valuable guidance on your rights and options.

Daños y perjuicios

If you win an employment case, the goal of damages is to restore you to the position you would have been in if the employer’s actions had not occurred. This may include lost wages and benefits (back pay), future earnings (front pay), and, in some cases, compensation for emotional distress or punitive damages.

The type and amount of damages depend on the facts of your case, and courts consider factors such as mitigation efforts and available evidence. Understanding damages can help you better evaluate your claim and potential outcomes.

Liquidaciones

Most employment disputes are resolved through settlement rather than going to trial. Settling can save time, reduce legal costs, and provide certainty, but it often involves giving up your right to pursue further legal claims.

Before accepting a settlement, it’s important to understand what you are agreeing to, evaluate whether the offer is fair, and consider seeking legal advice. Each situation is unique, and the right decision depends on your specific circumstances.

Quiebra de empleados y demandas judiciales

Filing for bankruptcy while pursuing an employment claim can significantly impact your case. In many situations, your legal claim may be considered an asset, and creditors could have a right to any recovery.

It is critical to inform and consult with your attorneys before taking action, as timing and disclosure can affect your ability to continue your case. Understanding how bankruptcy interacts with employment claims can help you protect your rights.

Quiebra patronal y demandas judiciales

If your employer files for bankruptcy while you have a legal claim, it can complicate your case. However, you may still have options to preserve your claim or recover damages under bankruptcy laws.

It’s important to consult with a lawyer to understand how bankruptcy may affect your rights and what steps you can take to protect your claim.

Taxation In Employment Cases

Money received from an employment case—such as settlements or damages—is generally taxable. In some cases, taxes on these amounts may be higher than what you would have paid on regular wages, especially when payments are received as a lump sum.

Because tax rules can be complex, it’s important to understand how your award may be treated and to seek professional advice if needed. Proper planning can help you avoid unexpected tax burdens.

Buscar un abogado laboralista

The Workplace Fairness Attorney Directory features lawyers from across the United States who primarily represent workers in employment cases. Please note that Workplace Fairness does not operate a lawyer referral service and does not provide legal advice, and that Workplace Fairness is not responsible for any advice that you receive from anyone, attorney or non-attorney, you may contact from this site. Terms of Service

Construir su caso

Building a strong employment case requires gathering clear, accurate, and organized evidence. This may include documents such as performance reviews, workplace communications, and records related to your employment, as well as identifying witnesses who can support your claims.

Whether your case is handled in court, through an agency, or in arbitration, having credible evidence and detailed information is essential to strengthening your position and improving your chances of success.

Agencias federales

Several federal agencies are responsible for protecting workers’ rights and enforcing employment laws. These include agencies that handle discrimination claims, workplace safety, wages, benefits, and federal employment issues.

Understanding which agency to contact can help you take the right steps if your rights are violated. Each agency has its own role, processes, and resources to assist workers.