Annapolis Employment Lawyer

Employees have a right to be paid for the work they perform for their employer. Federal and state laws outline requirements for employers in the payment of wages and remedies for the employee when these requirements are not adhered to.

Further, employees have rights pertaining to the accrual of sick leave and when they may use it, along with rights pertaining to accrued annual leave and the payment of that annual leave when their employment ends.

Understanding Your Wage & Leave Rights is crucial for maintaining your financial stability and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. These rights are established under various federal and state regulations, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which stipulates minimum wage, overtime pay, and youth employment standards in both the private and public sectors. Additionally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons, ensuring that workers can balance their personal and professional lives without fear of job loss.

The Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo, LLC is experienced in assisting employees with their wage, leave, and benefit matters. If you believe your employer has failed to pay you earned wages or has failed to provide you required leave and benefits, we can help you assert your rights.

Whether you are a business needing assistance in drafting employment agreements and severance agreements or an employee who needs assistance in reviewing these agreements and negotiating the terms of the agreements, the Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo, LLC has decades of experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating these agreements. We also represent employees and businesses when disputes arise under these agreements, including bringing claims or defending claims in court or arbitration.

Most employment is “at-will.” This means that an employee may be terminated for any reason, or no reason at all, as long as it is not illegal or contrary to public policy.

Employees and applicants for employment are protected from various types of discrimination and from retaliation for complaining about illegal conduct.

Federal, state, and, in some instances, even local laws, may provide protections to employees to be free from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Some of the laws may only apply to certain employees. For instance, if you are a federal employee, state and local laws will not apply to your employment.

Generally speaking, the federal anti-discrimination laws that apply to most employees are Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or Rehabilitation Act (ADA/Rehab Act), and the Equal Pay Act. Veterans may also have some protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).

Not only are most employees covered by these federal laws, but most states have enacted their own anti-discrimination laws, including Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. Similarly, the District of Columbia also has a robust anti-discrimination law.

In addition, certain counties within Maryland have passed their own anti-discrimination laws, including Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Baltimore County, and Howard County. Some of these local government laws provide additional protected bases. This means that where a federal or state law may not provide a basis for a claim, you may have rights pursuant to a local government law.

Navigating Anti-Discrimination Laws can be daunting. Understanding your rights under both federal and state law is essential to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace. From hiring practices to workplace policies, anti-discrimination laws are designed to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and unlawful biases are challenged. Employers are required to not only avoid discriminatory practices but also actively promote diversity and inclusion within their organizations. Our firm can guide you through the complexities of these laws, helping you address any potential violations effectively.

Along with anti-discrimination laws, are laws that protect employees from retaliation when they have complained about discrimination or when they have complained about other wrongdoing (whistleblower laws).

Contact our Annapolis employment attorney by calling (240) 734-3033 today!

Comprehensive FAQ on Employment & Labor Law in Annapolis

What Are My Rights Under Maryland's Employment Laws?

In Maryland, employees are protected by a set of comprehensive laws designed to safeguard their rights and ethical treatment within the workplace. Under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law, employees have a right to receive timely payment of wages for work performed. This law mandates that wages be paid at least once every two weeks or twice each month and stipulates remedies in the event of non-compliance. Additionally, the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits workplace discrimination on various grounds, ensuring employees are treated fairly regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or disability.

The state's Whistleblower Protection Act also plays a critical role by safeguarding employees from retaliatory actions if they report illegal or unethical conduct by their employers. To navigate these laws effectively, employees are encouraged to seek legal counsel, especially when facing complex employment disputes. At Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo LLC, we prioritize personal attention and thorough case preparation, ensuring you understand your rights and have a strong defense against any workplace infractions.

How Can I Address Wage & Hour Disputes in Annapolis?

Dealing with wage and hour disputes can be particularly stressful, yet Maryland has established legal frameworks to help employees achieve resolution. If you suspect that your employer is not paying you for all the hours worked, or you are denied overtime pay that you legally deserve, it is crucial to understand your rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Maryland Wage and Hour Law. Employers are obligated to pay the state-mandated minimum wage and provide overtime pay at a rate of one-and-a-half times the regular pay for any hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek.

For situations in Annapolis, where wage discrepancies often arise from misclassification of employment status or delayed payments, we offer expert legal assistance to ensure your grievances are addressed effectively. By choosing Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo LLC, employees benefit from comprehensive representation and honest guidance to navigate the complexities of wage and hour regulations, file necessary claims, and seek just compensation for any violations.

What Should I Do If I Face Discrimination at Work?

Experiencing discrimination in the workplace is unsettling and disruptive, but legal protections are available to support impacted employees. If you are subjected to discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected statuses, it's important to document such incidents meticulously while understanding your rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act. These laws aim to eliminate discriminatory practices within workplaces and empower employees to stand against unfair treatment.

We recommend contacting a qualified employment law attorney to help assess your situation and pursue legal remedies if needed. At Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo LLC, our dedicated team of lawyers offers personalized strategies designed to challenge discrimination, secure your employment rights, and promote a fair, inclusive working environment. Our dedication to client well-being ensures you receive the attention and resources needed to achieve a favorable legal outcome.

What Is the Difference Between Federal and State Labor Laws?

Federal labor laws, such as those enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, apply to employees across the entire United States, providing baseline standards for issues like minimum wage, overtime pay, and workplace safety. In contrast, state labor laws cater to region-specific considerations and may offer more extensive protections depending on the locality. Maryland labor laws, for instance, uphold a higher minimum wage than the federal requirement, as well as tailored protections for specific worker categories like minors and domestic workers.

Understanding and applying the correct jurisdictional laws to your situation in Annapolis is critical for both employers and employees to ensure compliance and protect rights. The Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo LLC is adept in navigating the distinctions between federal and state legislations, offering strategic advice that respects both legal structures. By choosing us, you gain clarity and assurance that your actions are legally sound and in line with prevailing regulations.