A recent report by the World Economic Forum, shows that the abuse of workers’ rights has been on the increase. As private employees, we enjoy a wide range of rights in our workplace. These rights are put in place to ensure our safety and well-being while on the job, and to protect us from discrimination and other forms of mistreatment.
Unfortunately, there are times when employers violate the rights of their private employees and engage in wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, or other forms of unlawful behavior. In such situations, it’s essential to seek the help of a qualified attorney who specializes in employment law.
In this article, we’ll discuss eight important rights of private employees and explain how wrongful termination lawyers in Minnesota and medical employment lawyers can help protect those rights.
Right to a Safe Workplace
One of the most fundamental rights of private employees is the right to work in a safe environment. Employers are required by law to provide a workplace free of hazards that could cause harm or injury to employees.
This includes taking steps to prevent accidents and injuries, such as providing safety training, maintaining equipment, and enforcing safety regulations.
If you have been injured on the job due to your employer’s negligence, a wrongful termination lawyer in Minnesota can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Right to Fair Wages
Private employees have the right to receive fair wages for their work. This includes receiving a minimum wage that is set by state and federal laws, as well as being paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week.
If you believe that your employer has not paid you the wages you are entitled to, a medical employment lawyer can help you file a complaint and seek compensation.
Right to Privacy
Private employees have the right to privacy in the workplace. Employers are not allowed to monitor their employees’ personal communications or conduct searches of their personal belongings without their consent.
If you believe that your employer has violated your privacy rights, a wrongful termination lawyer in Minnesota can help you take legal action.
Right to a Non-Discriminatory Workplace
Private employees have the right to work in a non-discriminatory environment. Employers are prohibited by law from discriminating against employees based on their race, gender, age, religion, or disability.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against, a medical employment lawyer can help you file a complaint with the appropriate agency and seek compensation. The right to a non-discriminatory workplace is an essential human right.
All employees have the right to be protected from harassment, bias, and unequal treatment, both in terms of hiring and promotion, and in terms of day-to-day interactions with colleagues and superiors. Employers have a responsibility to create a work culture that is inclusive and diverse, where all employees feel valued and respected.
Read: 9 Ways To Make A Judge Rule In Your Favor.
Right to a Safe and Healthy Working Environment
Private employees have the right to work in an environment that is free of hazards that could cause illness or injury. This includes being protected from exposure to toxic substances, such as chemicals or fumes, and being provided with appropriate safety gear, such as gloves or respirators.
If you have been exposed to hazardous substances or conditions at work, a wrongful termination lawyer in Minnesota can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Right to Organize
Private employees have the right to organize and form unions to negotiate with their employers for better wages and working conditions. Employers are prohibited by law from retaliating against employees who engage in union activities.
If you believe your employer has retaliated against you for engaging in union activities, a medical employment lawyer can help you file a complaint and seek compensation.
Right to Family and Medical Leave
Private employees have the right to take family and medical leave under certain circumstances, such as to care for a newborn child or a family member with a serious medical condition.
Employers are required by law to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for these purposes. If your employer has denied you the right to take family or medical leave, a wrongful termination lawyer in Minnesota can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Right to be Free from Retaliation
The Right to be Free from Retaliation is a fundamental human right that protects individuals from experiencing negative consequences as a result of exercising their legal rights or engaging in protected activities.
This right is recognized in various international and domestic laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United States Civil Rights Act.
Retaliation can take many forms, including but not limited to termination or demotion, denial of promotions or benefits, reduction in pay or hours, negative performance evaluations, harassment, threats, or intimidation. Such actions are illegal and can have a chilling effect on individuals seeking to exercise their rights or report wrongdoing.
One of the most significant areas where the Right to be Free from Retaliation is applicable is in the workplace. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who engage in protected activities such as reporting discrimination, harassment, or other illegal activities, filing a complaint, cooperating with an investigation, or participating in a legal proceeding.
It is important to note that the Right to be Free from Retaliation also extends beyond the workplace. It protects individuals from retaliation by government officials or other individuals who may seek to silence or punish them for engaging in protected activities, such as exercising their right to free speech, participating in peaceful protests, or advocating for social justice issues.
If an individual believes that they have been retaliated against for engaging in protected activities, they should seek legal assistance from an attorney or file a complaint with the appropriate government agency. These agencies will investigate the claims and may take enforcement action if they find that retaliation has occurred.
Finally, on the Rights of Private Employees
The Right to be free from retaliation is a critical human right that protects individuals from negative consequences for exercising their legal rights or engaging in protected activities. It is essential to ensure that people can speak up and report wrongdoing without fear of retribution.