Employment law is an area of the law that addresses the laws and regulations governing employment issues, such as discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, occupational safety, and wage and hour requirements.
A combination of federal, state and local laws protect workers from discrimination and unequal treatment based on factors such as their age, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities and other personal characteristics. Sometimes, workers may have claims that arise other than from being fired or from refusal by prospective employers to hire them. Legal remedies may arise from unequal pay, improper working conditions, disciplinary action, or unfair treatment, including harassment. Sometimes groups of employees—and not just individuals—may be the subject of unlawful treatment in the employment context. Remedies may also come from disciplinary action taken in violation of law or public policy, such as in cases of retaliation for whistle-blowing and efforts to see that a company complies with statutory duties. A lawyer may also be helpful by giving advice aimed at preventing unfair treatment and heading off the consequences of it.
