Labor law violations can take many forms, but they all have one thing in common: they put employees at risk and may deprive employees of paychecks, job security, and basic workplace rights and protections. Federal labor laws establish a clear minimum standard of employment conditions and when those are violated, employees have the option of legal recourse. 

The Fair Labor Standard Act of 1938 (FLSA), the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (NLRA), the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) are major federal laws that defined workplace rights, employer obligations, and enforcement mechanisms. Respectively, they:

• Establish federal minimum wage, overtime practices, and recordkeeping requirements;
• Protects an employees’ right to organize, form unions, bargain collectively, and engage in “concerted activities” for mutual aid or protection;
• Provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons; and 
• Requires employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Some of the most common types of labor law violations include wage and hour violations and whistleblower laws, also known as qui tam. Wage and Hour law violations can take many forms, form failing to pay overtime to misclassifying employees as exempt from minimum wage requirements. The False Claims Act permits an employee to bring action on behalf of the federal government where an employer has engaged in fraud against the government. While the act permits whistleblowers to receive a percentage of the recovery, it prohibits employers from retaliating against the whistleblowing employee. Simply knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your rights.

How We Can Help

Our attorneys at VKV understand the personal and financial loss that results from an employer’s labor law violations. Our attorneys have built their knowledge of the complex web of state and federal laws that govern the employment relationship through years of experience fighting for employees who have suffered at the hands’ of their employers. We know how to use these laws to hold employers accountable when they break the rules.

If you believe that your employer has violated your rights, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Our team will work tirelessly to hold your employer accountable and protect your rights as a worker.

Additional Resources you may find helpful:

• U.S. Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division – Major Laws Administered/Enforced