Queens is the largest New York City borough and is adjacent to Long Island, Brooklyn, and Nassau County. Of the five boroughs, Queens is the second most populated. Queens also has a significant population of foreign-born residents and is the most linguistically diverse area on earth. Queens is also the most ethnically diverse county in the US. Queens is the home of several different colleges, including Queens College, St. John’s University, and LaGuardia Community College.
Discuss Your Case with a Queens Employment Law Attorney
Employees who live and work in Queens may be subjected to unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employers cannot demote, harass, fire, or retaliate against employees because the employee has complained about illegal employment practices. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment during your employment, you may be entitled to compensation and other remedies. Contact the Queens employment law lawyers at Lipsky Lowe LLP today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Queens Sexual Harassment Lawyers
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal in Queens and throughout the United States. Sexual harassment involves any unwelcome sexual contact directed at an employee. Unlawful sexual harassment can involve a co-worker, manager, client, or contractor. Federal laws, state laws, and New York City laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace and employers from retaliating against victims who bring sexual harassment claims.
There are two main types of unlawful sexual harassment. The first type of sexual harassment is called quid pro quo sexual harassment. Quid pro quo means “this for that.” When an employee feels like he or she must comply with sexual harassment in exchange for an employment benefit, quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs. Furthermore, quid pro quo sexual harassment can involve a manager telling an employee that the employee will be fired if the employee doesn’t engage in sexual contact.
Hostile Work Environment Lawyers in Queens
Creating a hostile work environment is another type of unlawful sexual harassment. A hostile work environment occurs when the speech and conduct of co-workers, customers, clients, owners, supervisors, or anyone else at the workplace becomes sexually inappropriate. For example, an employer may allow employees to make sexually explicit comments to other employees or display pornography at work, or an employee or employees may send each other sexually inappropriate jokes or content over text messages or emails.
Any time the sexual activity interferes with an employee’s job performance or makes any reasonable person quit that job, a hostile work environment has occurred. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we believe that every employee in Queens and throughout New York should be able to work in an environment without having to endure sexual harassment. If you believe you have been subjected to a hostile work environment, the best thing you can do is contact a Queens employment lawyer.
Employment Discrimination in Queens
Under federal, state, and New York City law, employers cannot discriminate against employees who are part of a protected class. Employers cannot discriminate against employees because of their membership in one of the following protected classes:
- Age
- Race or skin color
- Religion
- Color
- National origin
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy
- Genetic information
- Caregiver status, such as being a parent
- Gender identity, gender, and transgender status
While employers can show favoritism to one employee over another, they can’t discriminate against someone based on one of the above categories. If you believe that your employer has discriminated against you based on one of the categories mentioned above, we recommend taking action to protect yourself and your rights by consulting with one of our employment lawyers. Workplace discrimination can include:
- Not being hired for a job despite being qualified
- Being disciplined, mistreated, or harassed unfairly
- Being wrongly terminated from a position
- Being paid less than other employees doing the same work
- Being denied promotions even though an employee has earned a promotion
- Not being offered equal job assignment or training opportunities
- Not being provided with promotion or advancement opportunities
- Being segregated from other employees
New York City has some of the most stringent regulations prohibiting discrimination in the workplace. There are several legal options you can take to file a claim against your employer. We understand that filing a complaint against your employer can be difficult, especially if you are concerned about retaliation. When you work with Lipsky Lowe LLP, you are not alone. We will represent you throughout the process and protect your rights.
Whistleblowing and Retaliation Lawyers in Queens
Filing a claim against an employer for discrimination can be a stressful and daunting prospect for many employees. In some cases, an employer will retaliate against an employee who files a claim against the company. Has your employer has retaliated against you because you filed a complaint about discrimination or harassment? If so, we recommend consulting with an employment lawyer as soon as possible.
Retaliation is illegal under various employment discrimination laws. Employers cannot discriminate against employees who complain of potential violations related to minimum wage, overtime, medical leave, or other employment loss. In other words, employers cannot take materially adverse action against an employee by harassing, demoting, firing, or otherwise retaliating against an employee.
Employers have a right to file a charge of discrimination, complain to their employer about employment discrimination, and participate in employment discrimination proceedings. Even if the employee cannot prove that the employer engaged in unlawful discrimination, the employee can still prevail in a retaliation claim.
Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Queens
If you believe your employer has unfairly terminated your position, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful termination lawsuit. Employers cannot terminate an employee’s position based on discrimination or retaliation. Additionally, employers must adhere to the terms of their employment contracts.
Contact a Queens Employment Law Attorney Today
If you’ve experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, or retaliation in the workplace, you are not alone. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, our Queens employment lawyers will advocate fervently for your rights. Depending on your case, we may be able to help you get rehired or the promotion you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.