Detroit Employment Attorney

Potential Employment Issues in Detroit

Most employees are unaware that their employer is breaking the law. While you might question the fairness of your boss’s decision or action, you might not know that it is illegal.

As Detroit employment attorneys, we know there are many different ways that supervisors, colleagues, and companies violate state and federal employment laws.

Here are some of the more common types of employment issues we see in Detroit.

Discrimination

Sexual Harassment

Michigan law prohibits sexual harassment or discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms, including:

• Quid pro quo: This is where someone in a position of power demands sexual favors in exchange for giving you a job, keeping you employed, or promoting you
• Creation of a hostile work environment: You may dread going to work every day for fear due to intimidation
• Unwanted sexual advances by a colleague or supervisor
• Retaliation when you refuse unwanted sexual advances

Wrongful Discharge

Michigan is an at-will state for employment purposes. You have the right to quit your job at any time and for any reason. However, your employer also has the right to fire you at any time and for any reason, except for certain circumstances.

You might have a case of wrongful termination if your employer commits any of these acts:

• Breach of contract
• Discrimination
• Reporting safety concerns
• Reporting complaints as a whistleblower
• Filing a sexual harassment complaint
• Retaliation for your rightful filing for workers’ compensation, Family and Medical Leave Act compensation, unsafe workplace report, or complaints about harassment

An employment law attorney can help you figure out what your next steps should be after your employer has wrongfully discharged you.

Family and Medical Leave Act

You have an entire life outside of work, and your employer should respect that. When medical or life events require you to take time off work, the Family and Medical Leave Act is supposed to protect you.

Under FMLA, may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work. You may take twelve continuous weeks or over a period. Your employer is required to find someone to cover your position while you’re out and to keep your job open for you when you return.

Events That Qualify for FMLA

Some of the different events that might qualify you for FMLA include:

• Pregnancy
• Adoption
• Taking care of a sick family member
• Receiving a diagnosis for a serious medical condition
• Caring for a child with a severe medical condition

Employers who retaliate against you for exercising your rights to FMLA may be held accountable for their illegal actions.