Know Your Employment Rights
Preventive law prepares you to avoid tough employment issues before they arise.
Types Of Employees
In Maryland, there are generally two categories of employees — “at-will” employees and contract employees. All states have different protected categories, so you must speak with an employment attorney to fully understand if discrimination has occurred. Most states are at-will employment states. At-will employees work at the will of their employer. That means that an employer can hire and fire employees for just about any reason as long as it does not amount to a wrongful discharge or discrimination. Employers cannot discriminate against employees because of age, race, sex, disability, national origin, religion or pregnancy, and they cannot subject an employee to a hostile environment based on these protected categories.
Free From Discrimination
Your right to be free from employment discrimination is protected by federal, state and local laws. The procedures for filing discrimination complaints are time-sensitive and can be complicated. It is best to get a handle on these procedures before a discriminatory workplace becomes intolerable. Too many people wait until the situation is out of hand and miss their opportunity to address the problem because the time to file a complaint has passed. If you encounter workplace discrimination, you should complain immediately to your boss or human resources department.
Employee Handbooks
In addition to your rights to a discrimination-free work environment, employers themselves often have policies and procedures that govern how they interact with their employees. Often, these procedures can be found in an employee handbook, and in some cases, promises made in the employee handbook can be contractually binding. It is important to be familiar with your employer’s policies because you never know when you will find yourself in a position in which your knowledge of your employment rights can mean the difference between a difficult situation and one that is easily handled.
Contract Employees
If you are a contract employee, the terms of your contract govern your employment rights. Employment contracts can be complicated and confusing, so be sure to read any contract very carefully and have an expert attorney review the agreement before you sign it. You can be sure that your employer will know the terms of the contract.
Prepare Yourself
In the employment arena, preparation is the key to avoiding difficult situations before they arise. Knowing your employment rights can be the difference between a healthy work environment and one that is intolerable. No one expects to encounter discrimination at work, but a thorough knowledge of your employment rights can help you handle even the toughest situations.
Thatcher Zavaro & Mani represents clients in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Please contact us by email or call our office at 301-850-1246.