The Bronx is one of five New York City boroughs located within New York State. Bronx County is the third most densely populated county in the US. Situated across the Harlem River from Manhattan, the Bronx has a population of over 1.4 million. The Bronx is home to several universities, including Fordham University, Bronx Community College, and the City University of New York.
Bronx Employment Law Attorneys at Lipsky Lowe LLP
Every day, residents of the Bronx face workplace challenges, including illegal workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Many employees are understandably concerned about losing their jobs should they report unlawful activity. If you’ve experienced discrimination or harassment, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Contact Lipsky Lowe LLP today to schedule your initial consultation with one of our award-winning employment lawyers.
Bronx Employment Discrimination Lawyers
Bronx employers cannot discriminate against their employees based on the employee’s membership in a protected class. Federal, state, and local laws protect employees against unlawful employment discrimination. New York City has some of the most stringent laws against workplace discrimination, providing extensive protections to employees who work in the Bronx. Unlawful discrimination includes treating an applicant or employee unfavorably because of the employees:
- race
- age
- color
- national origin
- religion
- pregnancy
- sex
- gender
- marital status
- genetic information
- military status
- disability
- sexual orientation
Unlawful discrimination can take many different forms, from failure to hire an applicant to termination of employment. Some employers refuse to give an employee a promotion he or she deserves or reduce the employee’s job responsibilities in a discriminatory manner. Failure to hire, unwarranted disciplinary action, or denial of a transfer to a different job can also be forms of unlawful discrimination.
If you’ve experienced unlawful discrimination in the Bronx, you have been deprived of an equal chance to succeed at your current job. If you have been unlawfully terminated, it will hurt you when you search for new jobs. Several different resources are available to you through filing a legal claim, such as being reinstated to your job, receiving the raise or promotion you deserve, and obtaining financial damages. The best thing you can do is contact one of our experienced employment lawyers to begin the process of protecting your rights.
Sexual Harassment Lawyers in the Bronx
Employees who work in the Bronx and throughout New York City are entitled to work in an environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can happen based on an employee’s sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or transgender status. Among other things, sexual harassment can include unwanted touching, dirty jokes, and sexual propositions.
There are two main types of unlawful sexual harassment. The first type of sexual harassment is called quid pro quo sexual harassment. This type of sexual harassment involves an employer or co-worker offering an employment benefit in exchange for a sexual act or favor. Conversely, the employer may tell the employee if he or she doesn’t engage in a sexual act, the employee will suffer a negative consequence, such as a demotion.
The second type of sexual harassment involves the creation of a hostile work environment. A work environment is hostile when the conduct or speech of managers, co-workers, customers, clients, or anyone else is sexually derogatory, unsavory, or hostile enough to create an environment that interferes with the employee’s job performance. Additionally, when the environment would make a reasonable person quit that job, a hostile work environment has been created.
Wage and Hour Violation Lawyers in the Bronx
Employers in the Bronx must pay their employees a fair wage for a fair day’s work. When employers fail to pay non-exempt employees overtime, don’t pay the minimum wage, or force employees to work off the clock, they’re engaging in unlawful activity. There are many other types of wage theft, including misclassifying employees, unlawful wage deductions, and failure to pay bonuses or commissions.
If your employer has denied your wages to which you’re legally entitled, you need an experienced employment lawyer on your side. New York City’s wage and hour laws are complex, and they can be confusing. One of our skilled employment lawyers will review your case, determine whether your employer has acted unlawfully, and help you understand your legal options.
Bronx Retaliation Lawyers
Bronx employees are entitled to make claims against their employers for unlawful discrimination and harassment. Many employees are afraid to make a claim against an employer because they’re worried about losing their job, being demoted, or having their pay decreased.
In New York City, employers cannot retaliate against employees for attempting to protect their rights under the law. Unlawful retaliation happens when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for participating in an investigation or filing a lawsuit against an employer. Workplace retaliation involves any type of adverse action against an employee, including:
- Firing or termination
- Demotion or reassignment of duties
- Salary decreases
- Negative work evaluations
New York state is an at-will employment state, meaning that an employer can fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all. However, New York employers are forbidden from firing employees for complaining about violations of labor laws or for filing lawsuits related to employment law violations.
Suppose you suspect that your employer has engaged in unlawful retaliation against you. In that case, you need an employment lawyer to review your case and help you navigate the process of enforcing your rights. There are strict time limits for bringing a retaliation claim against your employer, so the sooner you discuss your case with a lawyer, the better.
Discuss Your Case With an Employment Law Attorney in the Bronx
Are you facing discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we believe that every employee in the Bronx and throughout NYC should be able to work in a safe environment. We offer our clients a first-rate employment law practice. Our attorneys have a well-earned reputation for compassion and competence. Contact our Bronx employment law firm today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can advocate for your rights.