Employment/Civil Rights

Help for Wronged Employees

When you go to work each day, you are involved in a legal agreement whether you signed a contract or not. In exchange for the work you perform, your employer legally owes you wages, the benefits to which you are entitled, and fair treatment under the law. The work world, though, is a reflection of the larger world, so it is inevitable that disputes will sometimes arise. The Law Firm of Thomas Waitt Pleasant, PLLC is here to help you get treated fairly under the law, whatever the issue that you face with your employer.

Illegal employer practices can affect employees in many ways. One common example occurs when employees do not receive overtime pay for working more than 40 hours in one week. Another all-too-frequent scenario is that a pregnant employee may find herself passed over for an expected assignment or promotion. Or, perhaps, an employee who complained about discrimination now faces on-the-job retaliation from his or her employer – for reporting or complaining about discrimination, the failure to pay overtime, for example.

Protecting Your Rights

In these and other employment issues, workers’ rights are protected by federal and state laws, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions. If you have experienced wrongful treatment in the workplace, act now. Please contact our office to set up a consultation with Thomas Pleasant, to discuss your case and determine your legal options. With a practice that concentrates on employment issues, he would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about any of the following issues:

• Minimum wage or overtime pay. There are many ways that employers step onto the wrong side of the law when paying employees. For example, the state and federal laws governing overtime can be confusing, even to employers. This leads to the unintentional, or sometimes intentional, classifying of employees as “exempt” from receiving overtime pay. You deserve to be paid for the work you do fully and fairly. Contact our office if you suspect that you have been the victim of a wage or overtime violation.
• Sexual harassment. Actions that interfere with a person’s work environment, from jokes that are sexual to physical or verbal advancements, are sexual harassment. It is against the law. Being a victim of sexual harassment is often debilitating and can cause depression, anxiety, or other health problems. If you are a victim, contact us to determine what protections and rights might be available to you.
• Discrimination. The law seeks to guarantee equal rights for all employees and make it illegal to discriminate in any aspect of employment, including hiring and firing, compensation, promotions, training, and other conditions of employment. Discrimination can be based on age, race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. Explore your options through a consultation with Thomas Pleasant.
• Whistle blowers. People who have gone public with a wrongdoing are honorable heroes to those of us on the outside. To some employers, though, these courageous employees are often reviled and detested. Employer retaliation for reporting, or “blowing the whistle,” on certain conduct may be protected under state and/or federal law. If you find yourself in this situation, you might need legal advice in understanding how to proceed to safeguard your employment or win compensation for lost employment.
• Pregnancy leave and family leave. All the publicity around the federal Family and Medical Leave has left the impression that employees are automatically guaranteed medical leave for themselves or to care for a family member. Actually, the law is more complicated to understand, and you may require a lawyer’s help to understand if or how it applies to your situation. Thomas Pleasant can help you do this. Contact our offices today to set up a consultation.

There When You Need Legal Help

If you have lost your job due to an employer’s illegal action, you owe it to yourself and your family to explore the possibilities for help under the law. The array of federal and state laws that could apply to your case is vast and complicated. Becoming informed by arranging for an assessment of your situation is best step you can take. Thomas Pleasant can help you make an informed decision about what to do next.

Resolving illegal treatment of employees frequently requires a lawyer’s help because employers, whether a large corporation, a local company, or a small business have so many advantages over employees. Knowledge is one of the largest of these advantages. Employees who don’t know their rights are often depending on their employer’s word that the law is being followed. Although most employers try to do the right thing, it’s to your advantage to talk with a lawyer if you suspect you are being treated wrongly.

At The Law Offices of Thomas Waitt Pleasant, we understand starting legal action is a difficult and challenging undertaking. That is why Thomas Pleasant will be personally involved in your case and will provide you with the best advice and representation possible. He will be familiar with the unique features of your situation and will be able to lead you through the legal intricacies particular to your case.

The law does not protect employees in every situation, but don’t be afraid to contact our offices today about a possible workplace violation. When you need legal representation for any employment matter, rely on Thomas Waitt Pleasant. Call or email today.

Web Resources for Employment/Civil Rights:

• United States Department of Labor
• Family Medical Leave Act (US Dept. of Labor)
• North Carolina Department of Labor
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Findlaw Employment Discrimination & Harassment Site

  Description: This link provides an abundance of information regarding employment law; including information on employment discrimination on the basis of age, sex national origin, race, etc.

• NELA Applauds Bill Banning Mandatory Arbitration

  Description: The National Employment Lawyers Association press release regarding pending legislation that would ban mandatory arbitration clauses. This legislation, if passed, would help protect employees' right to their day in court, where they have been wrongfully terminated, sexually harassed, discriminated or retaliated against, or who are having other employment disputes with their employers.

The Law Offices of Thomas Waitt Pleasant, PLLC
427 Franklin Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301

Toll Free: 888-HELP-156
Phone: (910) 323-3250