Georgia Employment Disputes Lawyer

When disputes arise in the workplace, the whole company suffers. Employees who are subject to hostile work environments may experience decreased morale, and employers may see a drop in productivity.

If you are involved in a workplace conflict, you should consider seeking legal advice from a Georgia employment disputes lawyer. At Sparks Law, we could advise you on the state and federal laws governing your workplace issue and provide you with competent legal counsel during the dispute resolution process. Get in touch with a knowledgeable employment attorney who could give you an edge during legal proceedings.

What are Georgia’s Employment Discrimination Laws?

Federal and state laws bar certain employers from taking adverse employment actions against applicants or current employees for discriminatory reasons. Depending on the kind of discrimination that occurs, an employee could have a viable legal claim against their employer.

Federal Workplace Discrimination Laws

Under federal laws like the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), employees may be able to pursue federal employment discrimination claims against their employers if they were demoted, disciplined, or fired due to their:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Sex
  • Religion
  • Age
  • Disability

These types of claims should be filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The Fair Employment Practices Act of 1978

Georgia’s Fair Employment Practices Act of 1978 prohibits some state government agencies from discriminating against employees based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age. If a state agency employee suffers workplace discrimination, they may elect to file a state claim under this law with the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (GCEO).

If you are an employee attempting to file federal or state employment discrimination complaint against your employers, you must adhere to the necessary procedural requirements. Failing to acknowledge these requirements when submitting a complaint could lead to the dismissal of your case. Before filing, you should talk to a lawyer who could protect your right to take legal action after an employment dispute.

Dealing with Wage Theft Disputes

Another common type of conflict that arises between employees and employers is wage theft disputes. These disagreements may emerge if a business owner fails to pay minimum wage or overtime for working more than 40 hours per week. Other employer practices that could give rise to wage theft disputes include:

  • Urging tipped employees to share their tips with non-tipped employees
  • Failing to pay workers their earned commissions or overtime
  • Providing employees with time off instead of monetary compensation for overtime
  • Misclassifying employees’ work status or duties to avoid paying them overtime
  • Illegally deducting money from employees’ paychecks resulting in employees receiving less than minimum wage

Wage theft disputes can be resolved through settlement negotiations or lawsuits. A local employment disputes lawyer could help employees fight for just compensation or defend business owners against allegations of wage theft.

Contact a Georgia Employment Disputes Attorney

If you are currently involved in a disagreement with your employer or employee, a Georgia employment disputes lawyer may be able to assist you. An experienced attorney could review the circumstances surrounding your case and advise you on potential next steps.

Sparks Laws could also represent you during the resolution process by filing a lawsuit or negotiating a settlement. Call our office today to schedule a consultation about your case.