What Your Boss Is Not Allowed to Make You Do
People in management positions are responsible for making a range of important decisions at work. They are often in charge of training, supervising, and disciplining employees. But having a leadership role doesn’t mean that an owner, manager, or supervisor can do anything they want. They must comply with state and federal employment laws or face penalties for violations.
At the Employment and Commerce Law Group, our Nashville attorneys fight for the rights of employees in Nashville and across Tennessee. If you have concerns about your boss’s actions at work, we should talk. Call or contact us today for a free case review.
What Your Boss Can’t Legally Do
Many prospective and current employees aren’t sure when a boss’s actions cross a line. In a workplace, a boss may be interfering with your rights if they:
- Ask prohibited questions on job applications: According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), bosses should avoid specific questions during the application process, including questions about race, religion, ethnicity, age, pregnancy status, or plans for children.
- Forbid you from discussing your salary with coworkers: A company may try to prevent workers from discussing how much they get paid. Thankfully, laws such as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) typically protect employees’ rights in the workplace to discuss their pay.
- Not pay you overtime or minimum wage. Your pay matters. That’s why there are laws in the workplace, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires overtime payment, and federal pay standards that dictate a minimum wage.
- Discriminate against workers. Discrimination is harmful, and it is illegal. The EEOC enforces discrimination laws. Your boss violates the law by discriminating against employees based on race, age, disability, or other protected classes.
- Retaliate against whistleblowers. When bosses and employers engage in illegal activity, whistleblowers step up and let people know. In many cases, bosses and companies may try to retaliate by harassing or firing workers. Workplace retaliation is against the law.
- Discipline you for complaining about work on social media. Laws like the NLRA give workers broad rights to discuss their employer publicly. However, it’s essential to understand whether your statements are protected by law before posting them online. As a general rule, it’s best not to say negative things about your employer on social media, especially if you are pursuing an employment claim against them.
What to Do When Employers Violate the Law
Tennessee workers are protected under state and federal employment laws. But understanding whether an employer has broken the law is not always clear-cut. If you suspect your boss is mistreating you for any reason, the first thing to do is meet with an experienced employment attorney.
An employment lawyer will:
- Advise you of your rights
- Let you know whether you have a valid a claim
- Gather the evidence needed to prove the claim
- Represent you throughout the settlement process or at trial, if needed
Contact Our Nashville Employment Lawyers
At the Employment and Commerce Law Group, we’ve seen what it’s like to work for someone who thinks they can do whatever they want. Let us stand up for you. Our no-nonsense law firm is committed to providing aggressive legal representation to enforce your rights and get the results you deserve. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
