Discrimination · Harassment · Wage and Hour Violations · Wrongful Termination
Difficulties with an employer can cause severe emotional distress to workers and families. When problems in the workplace make daily life intolerable, or result in job loss, it hurts every area of your life, including your family's financial stability.
Mississippi is an "employment at will" state, unless there is some type of collective bargaining agreement or union agreement in place, or a written contract of employment. However, that does not mean an employee can be treated badly, disciplined or terminated for any reason at all. There are laws regarding the treatment of workers, and unlawful reasons for disciplinary action, demotion or firing:
- Sex discrimination or harassment
- Race, ethnicity or national origin discrimination and harassment
- Age discrimination
- Disability discrimination and pregnancy discrimination under the Family Medical Leave Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Religious discrimination
- Discrimination against veterans
Most of the laws that protect employees from discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination are federal laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Federal and state wage and hour laws regulate work hours and pay, travel time, meals and breaks, as well as the classification of employees as hourly or exempt.
There are also specific statutory provisions in federal law that protect the rights of service members if they are deployed as part of the National Guard. Employers are required to hold their jobs open until they return from active duty. Employers and service members often know there is a law regarding employment of members of the military, but they may not know exactly how the law is applied and may intentionally or unintentionally violate the rights of veterans.
If you have run into problems with an employer or employee, it's important that you document what has occurred at work. Then talk with a Tupelo employment lawyer with decades of experience in state and federal courts. Contact me, Gene Barton, to schedule a free consultation, or call my Okolona office at 662-276-0043.
Experienced Legal Help With Mississippi Employment Problems
I have had experience, over the last 30 years, representing employees who have suffered employment discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination, as well as employees who have had problems getting and keeping workers' compensation.
I have also represented the City of Okolona, assisting management with various employment and personnel issues, providing legal defense and advising managers on actions they can take to reduce the risk of employment-related lawsuits.
Bringing a Claim for Employment Discrimination or Wrongful Termination
There are many hurdles to filing an employment law claim. A complaint must first be filed with the EEOC, and they must have time to address the issue before any lawsuit can be brought forward. The EEOC will give its decision and must then grant you a "right to sue" letter. Once you have that letter, then an employment lawsuit can begin.
Employment Retaliation Is Illegal
You may have a legal case if your employer retaliated against you because you complained to your manager or HR, or filed a complaint with the EEOC, or supported a coworker or family member's complaint by testifying or providing a written statement. You may also have a claim for illegal retaliation if you were exercising a legal right, such as reporting criminal conduct of your employer or exercising reasonable free speech rights. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, retaliation may be illegal and you could get your job back or get other damages. Sometimes you can also be awarded your attorney's fees.
Contact Tupelo Law Attorney Gene Barton
I care about your case. I will fight like a bulldog for your interests. When you need a knowledgeable lawyer on your side in court, contact my Lee County law firm online or call 662-276-0043. Fees will vary, depending upon the circumstances. Sometimes I require a retainer in advance of accepting an employment law case.
