Employees are protected under select conditions from harassment, discrimination, defamation, and wrongful termination under federal and state laws. However, because of the complex and nuanced nature of employment law, many workers do not address potentially valid concerns because they lack of proper information or they feel intimidated.
Under employment law, workers are protected from being treated differently based upon specific traits, with regard to situations involving hiring or firing, demotion, harassment. These traits may include race or ethnicity, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, and religion. Workers are also covered from negative employment consequences while exercising employment rights, such as a workers’ compensation claim, a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act, or a report of a company’s violation to a state bureau. Oppositely, if an employer asks an employee to perform something unlawful and they refuse, the employer is not permitted to take negative action in response.
For disabled individuals, a company is obligated to provide a suitable and safe workplace with necessary amenities, as long as they are relevant to the job. Accommodations may include simple things such as a specific kind of desk or a flexible work schedule. In addition, employers must be sensitive and accepting of workers’ various religious convictions and affiliations. As a result, they are obligated to offer avenues for certain religious customs, as long as they are not unreasonable or excessive.
Regardless of their legal boundaries, problems with these issues occur often. Just this week approximately 10 employees from the Oklahoma state tourism department filed a lawsuit against the agency for unfair treatment, as reported by News OK. Every claim is unique and the majority have a finite time period in which they can be legally filed (as fast as six months or less). If you believe you’ve been treated in any illegal manner at your workplace, contact an Oklahoma employment litigation attorney at Maples Law Firm to learn more about your legal options. Call (405) 705-5050 for a free case consultation today.
