Ever get the feeling that something’s not quite right at work? It’s possible your discomfort isn’t just about the job itself—your employer might be crossing legal lines without your knowledge. Here are 17 rights you might not realize are being violated right under your nose.
#1. Minimum Wage Violations
Are you being paid less than the federal or state minimum wage? This is not just unfair; it’s illegal.
#2. Overtime Pay Denied
If you’re clocking in more than 40 hours a week and not seeing overtime pay, your employer is breaking the law.
#3. Misclassified as an Independent Contractor
Some employers misclassify employees to avoid paying benefits or overtime. If you’re being treated like an employee, you should be paid like one.
#4. Unsafe Working Conditions
Your workplace must adhere to safety standards. Ignoring this not only puts your health at risk but also violates OSHA regulations.
#5. Discrimination
Experiencing discrimination based on age, race, sex, religion, or disability? This violates the Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
#6. Harassment
Workplace harassment is illegal, yet it’s shockingly common. You have a right to work without fear of harassment.
#7. Pregnancy Discrimination
Being fired, demoted, or penalized for being pregnant is not only unethical—it’s illegal under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
#8. Family and Medical Leave Denied
Eligible employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons without threat of job loss.
#9. Violations of Disability Rights
If your employer isn’t providing reasonable accommodations for a disability, they’re likely violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
#10. Invasion of Privacy
Your employer poking around your personal life without cause? Certain aspects of your privacy are protected even when you’re at work.
#11. Retaliation
Fired or punished for whistleblowing or filing a complaint? That’s retaliation, and it’s decidedly against the law.
#12. Breach of Contract
If you have a contract stating specific terms of employment and your employer breaks those terms, they’re likely violating your contract.
#13. Denied Rest or Meal Breaks
Most states require employers to provide designated breaks during work hours. Skipping these could be a legal violation.
#14. Withholding Final Paycheck
Regardless of how or why you leave a job, your employer must pay you for all your time worked, typically on the next scheduled payday.
#15. Forcing Employees to Pay for Work-Related Expenses
If buying a uniform or other job-related expenses dips your pay below minimum wage, this might not just be unfair but illegal.
#16. Illegal Deductions from Wages
Unauthorized deductions from your paycheck for breakages, cash register shortages, or anything else might be unlawful.
#17. Not Allowing Employees to Discuss Wages
Preventing employees from discussing their wages with co-workers is a violation of labor laws intended to promote transparency and fairness.
Is Your Workplace Playing Fair?
It’s downright personal when your rights are under attack right where you work. Recognize any of these violations happening to you or someone you know? It’s time to take action and stand up for your rights. Don’t let your employer play fast and loose with the law.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
