Employment disputes can occur in the workplace at any time. They can arrange from minor disagreements to major issues with legal implications.
In more serious cases, a workplace issue requires legal action to resolve. Many individuals need to hire attorneys for employment disputes to file claims against other individuals or organizations. In many cases, the outcome of these claims is compensation, although the claimant may wish to request another outcome, such as positive changes or adjustments in the workplace.
For example, if an employee is a victim of bullying, harassment, injuries due to unsafe working conditions, or wrongful termination, they may be in a position to file a claim against their employer. If an employee breaches their employment contract terms and conditions, their employer may wish to take them to court.
Whether minor or major, workplace disputes can significantly disrupt the workplace environment, reducing productivity and employee satisfaction. It may also cause stress, anxiety, and burnout for those involved in the dispute.
Here are some of the most common disputes that occur in the workplace.
Wage Disputes
Sometimes, an employer can put the wrong information in their employment contracts regarding hourly pay or annual salary. Similarly, employees can misinterpret their employment contracts and receive less than expected in their monthly wages.
Whether through miscommunication, misinterpretation of contracts, or purposeful deceit by an employer, wage disputes are some of the most common workplace issues. Most of the time, they can be resolved with a brief conversation between an employer and an employee. However, unemployment lawyers may need to get involved in serious wage disputes.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination is sometimes called wrongful dismissal or unfair dismissal. This refers to when an employer terminates an employee’s contract without providing a fair reason.
Wrongful termination may result from discrimination or personal biases, and it is illegal. If an employee feels that their employer has fired them on unfair grounds, they can make a claim against their employer at the industrial tribunal or in court. For this, they will need the help of either an employment lawyer or a wrongful termination lawyer.
Unsafe Working Conditions
There are several governing bodies that define the legal regulations for businesses within the United States, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
By law, employers must provide safe working conditions for their employees. They must strike a balance between their employees’ needs and organizational success.
Safe working conditions include an environment free of hazards, adequate lighting, and a healthy room temperature. Under health and safety regulations, employers must also provide reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities or additional needs.
If an employee sustains an injury due to the unsafe working conditions provided by their employer, if the employer refuses to make reasonable adjustments for them upon their request, the employee might wish to file a claim for compensation.
