Common Legal Issues Faced by Federal Workers
United States labor laws protect employees in every sector, including federal workers employed by the government. Are you facing discrimination, injury, wrongful termination, or another legal issue at work? Learn your rights and find out how a lawyer can help.
Legal Issues Faced by Federal Workers
- Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect employees and job applicants against unfair treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, and other protected classes.
- Wrongful termination: Unlike many private sector workers, federal employees cannot be fired without guaranteed levels of due process. If you are fired for any reason besides unacceptable performance, misconduct, or medical inability to perform, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) disputes: This federal law allows eligible employees to take an extended unpaid leave of absence without risking job security for reasons such as illness, caring for a sick family member, having a baby, or military caregiving. Being denied family and medical leave violates federal labor laws.
- Unfair labor practices: All workers are entitled to earn minimum wage or higher, receive compensation for overtime work, and be correctly classified as an employee or independent contractor. Underpay and misclassification are grounds for a legal dispute.
- Disciplinary proceedings: The Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) preserves the integrity of the federal merit system and protects the rights of employees accused of misconduct. Unfair treatment while undergoing investigation or facing disciplinary actions could be grounds for a lawsuit.
- Unsafe workplace: Federal employees have the right to work in safe conditions. This includes receiving training in a language they understand and being provided with the necessary safety equipment. Workers also have a right to voice safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Workplace injuries or illnesses: Workers’ compensation laws protect employees who get hurt or sick while performing their duties. The laws vary by state and differ for federal employees and contractors.
How a Federal Employment Lawyer Can Help
If you are a federal employee facing any of the above legal issues, the first step in fighting back is to seek federal employee legal representation. This ensures compliance with the complex claims process that applies to federal employees, including meeting filing deadlines as short as 45 days in some instances. A lawyer can help you navigate the multi-tiered claims process and represent your case in the best possible light.
Seek Help From Aumiller Lomax
If you have been injured performing your government duties, you are entitled to compensation. The team at Aumiller Lomax can help you secure the funds you deserve by assisting with your federal workers’ compensation claim. If you’re facing a different kind of legal issue, we can provide the information you need to start your claim or refer you to a reliable federal employment lawyer. Call us at 856-751-0440 or contact us online to speak with a federal workers’ compensation lawyer about your legal rights.