What to Do When Treated Unfairly at Work: Top 10 FAQ

Most of us don't want special treatment in the office. We just want to the opportunity to do great work, preferably in a field we enjoy, and be fairly compensated for our labor. But fairness comes in a lot of forms outside of our salary, and there are numerous ways we can be treated unfairly at work.

But is that treatment necessarily illegal? And are there legal remedies for unfair treatment at work? Here are ten of the biggest questions regarding workplace fairness, from our archives:

1. Workplace Privacy: Can an Employer Search My Bag?

You just walked in the door, and already your boss thinks you might be doing something illegal? Weighing employee privacy against workplace security can be a delicate balance.

2. Is It Legal for Your Boss to Read Your Email?

And what about your privacy interest in your communications? Does it matter if it's a work computer or a work email account?

3. Can I Refuse to Work in Unsafe Conditions?

There are a lot of dangerous jobs out there. If you think the job is too dangerous, do you have the right to refuse?

4. Can My Work Schedule Change With No Notice?

Not every job is a Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 gig. But we all want to know what to expect from our work week. Are last minute changes legal? And if not, how much notice is required?

5. What Is Wage Theft? When Can You Sue?

While it sounds like your boss is sticking you up for your paycheck, wage theft can take many forms, from altering your hours after the fact to not compensating for side work or paid days off.

6. Can Your Boss Make You Work on a Holiday?

Sadly, it's up to most private employers whether they want to give their employees holidays off. And getting paid holidays is a whole other story.

7. Can I Sue for Being Overworked?

The 40-hour work week seems like a thing of the past. But how many working hours per week is too many?

8. Can You Be Fired for Going on Strike?

As a general rule, employers can't retaliate against employees for union organization and action. But not every strike is legal.

9. Can Your Employer Require Proof for Sick Days?

Thought the need for a doctor's note was just for students? Not so fast, my friend. Some bosses may ask for evidence of illness if you're missing work.

10. Do I Have to Notify My Employer of My Pregnancy?

It's usually good practice to gives your boss a heads up about major life events. But what if you're worried you might get fired if your employer thinks you'll need more time off?

Your best source for all of your employment law questions is an experienced attorney. Contact one today.

Related Resources:

• Find Employment Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
• What to Do If You Didn't Get Your W-2 Forms (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Going to Work Stoned? 3 Legal Points to Ponder (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Legal How-To: Requesting an Accommodation at Work (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)