When you enter a job, you want to feel secure. While many factors go into your job security – from the state of the industry to your performance – some laws protect your career in many situations. These laws safeguard your career in several ways.
How does the law safeguard your career?
Many states recognize at-will employment. As a result, an employer can end your time at the company at any time and for almost any reason. However, there are exceptions, and the law protects you from bias or retaliation. Some of the legal protections that support your job security include:
- Protection from discrimination – The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and a variety of state laws protect you from discrimination. These laws prohibit businesses from terminating your job because of your age, race, disability or other protected characteristics.
- Protection from losing your job when taking medical leave – When an eligible worker needs to take time away from work for medical reasons, The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows them to take unpaid leave. Employees who take this leave must be able to return to their jobs after leave or enter an equivalent position.
- Protection from retaliation – When workers report unlawful activities, report unsafe conditions, participate in an investigation or take other protected actions, many laws protect those rights. Employers cannot legally demote these employees, reduce their hours, fire them or otherwise punish them for taking these critical actions.
Because of these laws, employees who lost their jobs due to bias or retaliation can hold employers responsible for unfair decisions. Depending on the situation, workers may receive back pay, reinstatement of their position or various other remedies.
What can you do if your employer violated these laws?
If you suspect that you lost your job unfairly, it’s imperative to document the incidents and seek legal advice. An experienced employment law attorney can help you understand your rights and defend your career.