Federal and state employment laws are designed to protect the rights of workers. While Raleigh is ranked among the Best Cities for educated workers, disputes over wages, discrimination, and other illegal employer practices are common. If your rights in the workplace have been violated, The Noble Law will leverage our considerable resources and skill to advocate on your behalf. Our Triangle employment law attorneys can explain your legal options and provide the clarity needed to move forward confidently.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at The Noble Law. You will find immediate legal and emotional support upon retaining our services. We will listen without judgment to your story and your goals for resolution.
Employment Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina law protects employees from discriminatory and other unfair practices in the workplace. These statutes deter prejudicial treatment, hostile conduct, and other toxic work conditions.
Our employment law lawyers handle a broad range of cases arising from:
- Workplace Harassment – Unwelcome and unsolicited conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.
- Wage and hour disputes – Failure to pay minimum wage ($7.25 an hour in 2023) or refusing to pay wages, bonuses, or overtime that are legally owed.
- Discrimination – Discriminatory behavior toward individuals seeking or holding employment based on race, religion, national origin, color, age, sex, or disability.
- Retaliation – Unlawful treatment of an employee, such as a demotion, job reassignment or relocation, or wage reduction in retaliation for participating in a legally protected activity.
- Family and Medical Leave – Denying eligible employees unpaid, job-protected time off for medical reasons and qualifying issues.
- Wrongful Termination – Firing an employee because of his or her age, race, religion, color, national origin,, disability, gender, gender identification, or sexual orientation, or due the employee’s legally protected activity. A termination may also be wrongful if it violates an employment contract, a collective bargaining agreement, or a recognized public policy in the State of North Carolina.
Our firm provides steadfast and compassionate advocacy to those experiencing unjust and illegal behavior in the workplace–from sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination to hostile work environments. We protect your rights while deftly handling the legal aspects of your employment claim.
Federal Laws that Protect North Carolina Workers
Workers in the Triangle are also afforded protections by dozens of federal laws enforced by The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These statutes regulate a variety of key issues, including hiring practices, hours and salary, paid time off, discrimination, harassment, and other employee rights issues.
Our employment attorneys can determine if you have a valid claim based on violations of the following laws:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – regulates minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor, and accommodations for breastfeeding in the workplace.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – requires certain employers to provide workers unpaid leave for serious medical concerns or family-related issues.
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) – protects active military and veterans against discrimination in the workplace.
- Equal Pay Act (EPA) – bans wage discrimination based on the employee’s sex.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – protects job applicants and hired workers from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex.
- Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) – prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on an employee’s genetic tests.
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) – prohibits discrimination or retaliation at work on the basis of any condition related to childbirth or pregnancy.
- Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADEA) – protects potential and current employers aged 40 or over from age-based discrimination.
- Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) – prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunity in the workplace.
An Employer Violated My Rights – Important Steps to Take
There are many nuances to employment law in North Carolina. If you suspect your rights were violated and feel demoralized, rest assured there are effective remedies. We can help you navigate the legal process and recommend the following actions to help document and build your case:
- Gather evidence: collect emails, pay stubs, text messages, and any other documentation that supports or illustrates the violation.
- Tell your employer: inform your supervisor, boss, or HR department about your issue. Provide documentation of the incident or transgression if available.
- Keep track of all communication: Document all efforts to communicate with your employer, which is crucial to creating a timeline of events.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us; we could help you file a claim with the relevant state or federal agencies.
Why Do I Need an Employment Lawyer?
We will evaluate your unique situation and listen to your story. As your legal representative, we ensure your voice is heard, and your best interests are protected. We have a deep understanding of state and federal employment laws and can explain how they relate to your case.
We can also help assemble compelling proof of discriminatory behavior, review work contracts, and meet all filing deadlines. We can mediate the case, demand fair reparations, and–when the circumstances warrant–file a civil lawsuit against your employer.
Contact Our Employment Law Attorneys in Raleigh
If you believe that your employer has violated North Carolina or federal employment laws, The Noble Law is here to provide sound legal guidance. Reach out for a confidential case evaluation today. Our office is centrally located to serve clients throughout Raleigh and the surrounding communities. Please call us and schedule a consultation. We’re ready to listen and help you get the justice you deserve.