Most days and even years of our lives are spent in the workplace. The job you secure is often the culmination of years of hard work, education, and training. After spending so much time preparing for your occupation, it can be devastating both financially and emotionally when issues arise at work.
Our objective at the Spiggle Law Firm is to get our clients what they need and deserve with the help of a qualified Tysons Corner employment lawyer. Promoting fairness and equality in the workplace is at the core of our legal philosophy, and we have a thorough understanding of employment law and the recovery that may be available to you if you suffer mistreatment at work.
Working Relationships Between Employers and Employees
The relationship between you and your employer can be complex. Depending on your occupation, you may spend more time alongside your employer than with your own family or friends.
As is the case with any other close relationship, tensions and controversies often arise between employers and employees. Accordingly, various employment law at both the state and federal levels clearly outline the rights and responsibilities of these parties with respect to one another.
Employment law consists of federal and state laws that covers topics in:
- Discrimination and/or harassment
- Fair pay
- Contracts
- Non-Compete Issues
- Employee safety and workers’ compensation
- Family and Medical Leave
- Unemployment
- Wrongful Termination
At-Will Versus Contract Employees
Most employment relationships in Tysons Corner are at-will, meaning that your working relationship can cease “at the will” of either you or your employer. Employment relationships that are not at-will are governed by an enforceable employment contract.
Traditionally, the terms of such a contract will determine cause for termination and length of employment. The main caveat to the employment “at-will” concept, however, is that your employer cannot fire you or any other employee for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
Federal Employment Law Overview
There is a comprehensive group of federal laws that establishes the guidelines for minimum wage, overtime, illegal discrimination and family and medical leave in Tysons Corner.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. It also requires that employees who work more than 40 hours in one work week receive overtime compensation equal to time and a half.
When it comes to discrimination, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sex and pregnancy. Furthermore, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prevents discrimination against workers over the age of 40, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers with disabilities from discrimination and allows those workers to request reasonable accommodations to perform essential job duties.
Finally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows certain employees to take a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid leave during the year for medical reasons such as childbirth or to care for a very ill immediate family member.
Qualifying for Coverage
Almost all Tysons Corner employees will be covered by these federal laws; however, you cannot receive federal coverage if you work for a company with less than 15 or 20 employees. If remedies are not available under federal employment laws, though, you could be within the jurisdiction of comparable state laws which apply to companies with between six and 14 employees.
Talk to a Tysons Corner Employment Attorney Today
If you are having issues at work, you do not have to face them alone. Combat your employment issues with expert assistance and advice by teaming up with a Tysons Corner employment lawyer from the Spiggle Law Firm. Whatever type of employment law issues you are facing, we know that the stakes may be high, and we could make every effort to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
