When workplace violations happen in mega stores like Walmart and Target, they often make the news. Store-wide scandals are newsworthy topics, but not every workplace violation sees the light of day, so employees should always be well aware of their rights. Workers at companies like Walmart, Target, Costco and Sam’s Club face just as many workplace issues as employees in a variety of other industries across the state.

Discrimination and Harassment

Although mega-store managers and hiring professionals may have ‘corporate’ viewing their practices a little closer than smaller companies, discrimination and harassment can happen anywhere. If you’re ever discriminated against or harassed by somebody at work, you should absolutely speak with an employment law attorney swiftly. You shouldn’t have to work in a hostile environment.

Overtime Violations

If you’re working overtime hours, and you’re not getting fairly compensated for them, there’s a problem. Your managers should never have you working ‘off the clock.’ Additionally, you should also know that work-from-home hours count toward overtime too. Finally, certain breaks and ‘working’ lunches can also be counted towards overtime.

Wrongful Termination and Unemployment Compensation

Finally, even though Florida is a right-to-work state, wrongful termination does exist. Florida’s right-to-work status doesn’t give your manager a free pass to fire you for discriminatory reasons. You should also contact a skilled employment law attorney if you’re being denied your rightful unemployment benefits. It’s not uncommon for some unscrupulous chain stores to retain high-powered legal counsel to maximize profits at the expense of employees and former employees. They may try to distort the events leading up to your termination to get out of paying unemployment benefits. If your claim is denied, and you believe you are rightfully entitled to unemployment benefits, you need to file an appeal and contact an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible.

After a Workplace Violation

Since most workplace violations are time-sensitive, you should contact an experienced employment law attorney swiftly. Whether you’re dealing with unlawful retaliation from an employer, racial discrimination or an overtime violation, the experienced team at Weldon & Rothman PL can help get the ball rolling on your case.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida citizens with employment law issues contact an experienced local Florida employment law attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their labor and employment law matter. If you have been the victim of illegal activities at your workplace, then feel free to contact Attorney Rothman at Weldon & Rothman, PL toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail at info@weldonrothman.com

Bradley P. Rothman is an experienced Florida employment law attorney who has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star.  He is a principal member of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.