When you discuss employment law, you are discussing the area of the law that states the rights of individuals within the employee-employer relationship. While this does apply to current employees, it also covers former workers and applicants for open positions. There are a wide range of issues that can lead to an employment law dispute, including discrimination, wages, wrongful termination, and safety concerns.
If you are an Ohio employee who feels your rights were violated, talk to a legal professional. A Columbus employment attorney has the skills needed to help you understand what laws are in place for job seekers, employees, and employers.
Privacy Concerns and Other Employee Rights
There are some privacy rights that are in place for employees when they are at work. For example, your personal possessions are your own. But there can be issues when it comes to communication platforms. A message on an employee’s personal cell phone may be private, but communication forms owned by the company may not have to follow the same rules. If an email is sent through a company email system, it may not enjoy the same privacy rights, depending on the situation.
Of course other employee rights are in place as well. Workers have a right to be free of harassment, to work in an environment free of safety hazards and dangers, and to be free of retaliation threats should they file a complaint. Fair wages and compensation for work performed is also protected.
While there are many Ohio laws in place that go further than federal guidelines, there are many employee right protections that exist on a national level. Some of those federal laws include the following:
- Americans With Disabilities Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Family and Medical Leave Act
Job Seekers Have Rights as Well
Even if you are not an employee of an organization, you have rights as a job applicant. If you are applying and interviewing with an Ohio business, you have a right to be from from discrimination. This protection is in place for race, gender, age, religious, and national origin discrimination during the hiring process. As a result, this means an interviewer cannot ask you certain questions during an interview.
Job applicant violations can be difficult to prove, but doing so is not impossible. If you have not given a prospective employee permission, in writing, to check your financial credit or do a criminal background check, there is the possibility of a claim, for instance.
The law is complex but a seasoned legal professional can explain your rights to you if you have an employment law dispute or complaint. Talk to a Columbus employment attorney to learn more about your options.
Do you have questions about how federal regulations protect you as an Ohio employee? Contact the lawyers at Coffman Legal LLC today. We are strong and committed advocates for all Ohio workers and use our experience and knowledge to help you. Call 614-949-1181 for a free and confidential consultation.
