Are you engaged in a dispute with your employer in Arizona? An experienced labor and employment lawyer can help you defend your rights and hold your employer accountable for any wrongdoing.
Workers have a right to a safe, fair, law-abiding workplace. Unfortunately, too many feel powerless against their employers because they depend on their jobs to survive. If you try to stand up for your rights, could you get fired or face discrimination or retaliation? What if you’ve been fired already? If you’re asking these questions, turn to a labor and Arizona employment attorney at Matt Fendon Law Group for help.
Our attorneys can evaluate your situation and determine the best way to reach a fair resolution. Call or contact us today for an initial consultation with a trusted employment lawyer.
What is Labor and Employment Law?
Labor and employment law concerns the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. These laws exist at the federal and state levels through constitutions, statutes, administrative rules, and court opinions. Significant areas of labor and employment law include:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
- Civil Rights Act of 1991
- Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Equal Pay Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- Arizona Employment Protection Act
- Arizona Civil Rights Act
An Employment Attorney Can Resolve Employment Disputes
The employment attorneys at Matt Fendon Law Group can help workers resolve various employment disputes, including:
- Wrongful termination – Arizona is an at-will employment state, which means an employer or employee can end an employment relationship for any reason except for an unlawful one or when an employment contract is in effect. If your employer terminated you for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation for exercising your rights as a worker, a lawyer can help you file the appropriate complaints and reach a fair resolution.
- Employment discrimination – Under the federal Civil Rights Act and the Arizona Civil Rights Act, employers cannot discriminate based on race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
- Workplace harassment – Employees must be protected from harassment at work. If an employer commits harassment or allows it to occur without intervening, an employment attorney can defend your right to fair treatment. Examples of harassment include unwelcome comments, jokes, or conduct about protected characteristics, such as race, sex, gender, etc.
- Workplace retaliation – Your employer cannot retaliate against you for enforcing your rights, such as your right to file a claim or participate in an investigation into wrongdoing. Contact an employment and labor lawyer if you experienced workplace retaliation for acting within your rights.
- Employment contract disputes – Many employment relationships are established by contract. If an employer violates their side of the agreement, an Arizona employment attorney can help you enforce your contractual rights.
- Workplace safety disputes – Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employees have the right to a safe workplace. Employers deny them this right when they fail to enforce safety procedures, provide safety equipment, or fix workplace hazards. An employment attorney will strive to improve working conditions so you feel secure at work.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations – Under the federal FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons. If your employer refuses to allow you medical leave or terminates your job, you may be able to take action against them.
- Wage disputes – All Arizona employees are entitled to be paid at least a minimum wage, which is set by state law. Furthermore, under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, nonexempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for working more than 40 hours a week. If your employer denies you a minimum wage or overtime pay as required under law, a labor and employment disputes lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your lost wages.
What Role Does a Lawyer Play in an Employment Law Case?
A skilled employment lawyer can play a critical role in resolving work-related disputes. Some employers take advantage of workers who do not have attorneys and ignore their rights, assuming they will not understand the law or how to fight abuse and violations. Large employers can afford to hire fancy law firms that try to quash anyone who attempts to stand up for their rights. But that’s not Matt Fendon Law Group.
Our law firm proudly serves as the rock for mistreated workers in Arizona. With one of our employment attorneys by your side in a dispute, your employer will know you mean business. We can:
- Explain your rights and your employer’s responsibilities
- Investigate the employment incident that led to the dispute
- Gather evidence of wrongdoing by your employer
- Handle all communications with your employer
- Review and interpret employment contracts
- Advise on the most advantageous legal action
- Mediate a dispute between you and your employer
- File a claim or complaint with the appropriate federal or state agencies
- Fight for your rights in a civil lawsuit (if necessary)
How to Prepare for a Consultation with an Employment Attorney
Collect as much information as possible concerning your employment dispute before meeting with an employment lawyer. Relevant information might include:
- A chronological history of your experience with the employer
- Your employment offer letter or contract
- Employee handbook
- Employer policies and procedures
- Your resume and job description
- Your pay stubs and benefits paperwork
- Your performance evaluations
- Email, texts, or written correspondence related to the issue
- Termination documentation, if applicable
- A list of potential witnesses
Remember that attorney-client communications are confidential. You can and should be completely honest with your lawyer during the consultation. Your attorney needs to know what happened, including parts of the story that might reflect negatively on you. That way, they can develop the best strategy to handle your case.
Contact an Employment Lawyer in Arizona Right Away
If your employer violates your worker’s rights, you have legal options. The labor and employment lawyers at Matt Fendon Law Group will defend your rights to a safe, fair, and lawful workplace. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney now.