Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City. Located in the southwest portion of New York City, Staten Island is the least populated borough with a population of less than 500,000. Only 30 minutes from Manhattan, Staten Island is a popular location for commuters. The Staten Island ferry provides services between St. George of Staten Island and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge also connects Manhattan and Staten Island.
Staten Island Employment Lawyers
Staten Island employees frequently face workplace challenges, including sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and wage and hour claims. Knowing what to do after experiencing workplace discrimination or retaliation can be challenging. If you’re a Staten Island resident and you’ve experienced workplace harassment or discrimination, you need an employment lawyer on your side.
Lipsky Lowe LLP, a premier NYC employment law firm, provides clients with prompt and effective legal representation. We understand how difficult it can be for Staten Island employees to continue working in a hostile or discriminatory environment. Contact the skilled employment lawyers at Lipsky Lowe LLP today to schedule your initial consultation with an award-winning New York City employment lawyer.
Employment Discrimination in Staten Island
Unlawful discrimination occurs when an employer makes an adverse decision based on an employee’s characteristic that is protected by law. Under federal, state, and local law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against job applicants or employees based on protected characteristics. Employment discrimination based on any of the following characteristics is unlawful:
- color
- age
- race
- religion
- national origin
- pregnancy
- gender
- sex
- marital status
- genetic information
- disability
- military status
- sexual orientation
Adverse employment decisions typically include being passed over for promotion, being denied a job, being denied a bonus or raise, or being fired. Discrimination can also involve an employer not providing an employee with opportunities for promotion or advancement within the company due to discrimination. Proving discrimination in the workplace isn’t always easy, which is why you need one of the skilled employment lawyers at Lipsky Lowe LLP to advocate for you.
Staten Island Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Employees in Staten Island and throughout the country have a right to work in an environment free from hostility and sexual harassment. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is far too common in Staten Island and throughout the country. There are two main types of unlawful sexual harassment, quid pro quo sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Illegal sexual harassment can happen to anyone, and it involves harassment based on an employee’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or transgender status. Sexual harassment can occur in various ways, including sexual propositions, unwanted touching, and sexually-based jokes.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employer or manager offers an employee an advantage in exchange for sexual activity. For example, an employer may offer an employee a raise or better hours if the employee engages in a sexual act. Conversely, quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employer threatens an employee with the termination of employment unless the employee engages in a sexual act.
Additionally, when employers allow a hostile work environment to occur, the employee can bring a claim based on sexual harassment in the workplace. A hostile work environment happens when the workplace is sexually unsavory, derogatory, or hostile enough to create an environment that interferes with the employee’s job performance. Managers, employers, employees, co-workers, and even customers can create a hostile work environment. When a reasonable person would quit the job due to the hostile environment, courts will determine that a hostile work environment has been created.
Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Staten Island
Firing an employee for discriminatory reasons, breach of an employment contract or retaliation is unlawful in New York City. If you’ve been unlawfully fired, you have suffered what’s referred to as wrongful termination. Termination of your employment is illegal if it violates federal, state, or New York City anti-retaliation or anti-discrimination laws. New York City has some of the toughest anti-discrimination laws in the country. Suppose your employer fired you based on your age, gender, sex, marital status, pregnancy, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. In that case, you can file a claim against them.
Another way to pursue a wrongful termination claim is through contract law. When an employee signs a contract with an employer when she is hired, the employer must follow the contract terms. When firing an employee breaches that employment contract, the employee can sue for damages.
Wage and Hour Lawyers in Staten Island
Staten Island employers are legally required to pay their employees a fair wage for an honest day’s work. When employers engage in wage-and-hour violations, employees can hold them accountable by filing a claim against them. There are many types of wage theft, including the following:
- failure to pay non-exempt employees overtime
- forcing employees to work off the clock
- failure to pay the minimum wage required by the city of New York
- misclassifying employees to pay them less
- failure to pay commissions or bonuses
- unlawful wage deductions
If you suspect that your employer has denied you wages to which you’re entitled, we recommend discussing your case with one of our experienced employment lawyers. Wage and hour regulations are confusing, and one of our experienced lawyers will carefully review your case and decide whether your employer has stolen wages from you. We will help you understand your legal options.
Get the Help You Deserve From a Staten Island Employment Lawyer Today
Has your workplace become insufferable due to harassment or discrimination by your co-workers, supervisor, or third-party vendor? We recommend consulting with one of the award-winning employment lawyers at Lipsky Lowe LLP as soon as possible to discuss your case. We have helped many employees in Staten Island and throughout New York City obtain the compensation and relief they deserve. Our first-rate employment law firm has earned a reputation for compassion and competence. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.