Nassau County Employment Law Attorneys

Workplace Rights Attorneys Serving Nassau County and Surrounding Areas

Many employers in New York fail to comply with laws governing the employer-employee relationship. This can include failing to protect employees from workplace harassment, wrongful termination, or wage violations. At Phillips & Associates, our Nassau County employment lawyers handle litigation related to sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, wage and hour violations, wrongful termination, retaliation, and other employment disputes. If you have experienced misconduct in the workplace, it is important to understand your rights and legal options.

Understanding Employment Discrimination Laws

Federal, state, and local laws protect employees from discrimination based on specific protected characteristics.

Federal Protections

One of the primary federal laws that protect workers is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Other federal protections include:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Protects employees with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations.
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects workers over the age of 40 from age-based discrimination.
• Equal Pay Act: Requires that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical and family-related reasons.

New York State & Local Protections

New York state and local laws provide additional protections beyond federal law. The New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on:

• Citizenship or immigration status
• Disability and pregnancy
• Marital status
• Arrest or conviction record
• Status as a victim of domestic violence
• Sexual orientation and gender identity

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and falls into two categories:

• Hostile Work Environment: Repeated unwelcome conduct, such as offensive jokes or inappropriate comments, that creates an abusive workplace.
• Quid Pro Quo Harassment: When someone in a position of power requests sexual favors in exchange for job benefits or to avoid negative consequences.

New York law offers strong protections for victims of sexual harassment, applying to all employers, regardless of size. If you have experienced harassment, our attorneys can help you seek justice.

Wage and Hour Violations

Employers are required to comply with federal and state wage laws. Common violations include:

• Failure to pay the minimum wage
• Unpaid overtime (non-exempt employees must receive time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 per week)
• Misclassification of employees as independent contractors
• Tipped wage violations, including improper tip pooling
• Denial of meal and rest breaks

If your employer has failed to pay you properly, you may be entitled to back pay and damages.

Wrongful Termination & Retaliation

New York is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason—except for unlawful reasons. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired due to:

• Discrimination based on protected characteristics
• Retaliation for reporting workplace violations
• Taking legally protected leave (e.g., FMLA or Paid Family Leave)
• Refusing to engage in illegal activity

Employees who report illegal activity, discrimination, or workplace safety violations are protected under New York’s whistleblower laws and federal statutes. If you have been fired in retaliation for asserting your rights, you may have grounds for legal action.

Disability Rights & Reasonable Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York law require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Examples include:

• Modified work schedules
• Assistive technology
• Remote work options
• Adjusted job duties

If your employer refuses to accommodate your needs, you may have a claim under disability discrimination laws.

Employment Contracts & Severance Agreements

Many employees sign contracts that include non-compete clauses, severance agreements, or other legal restrictions. Our attorneys can review these agreements to ensure they are fair and lawful. We also assist employees in negotiating better severance packages and understanding their post-employment obligations.

Union Rights & Collective Bargaining

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), employees have the right to form, join, and assist labor unions. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for engaging in union activities or collective bargaining efforts. If you believe your rights have been violated, legal action may be necessary.

Deadlines for Filing Employment Claims in Nassau County

Employment law claims are subject to strict time limits:

• EEOC Complaints: Must be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act.
• New York State Division of Human Rights Complaints: Must be filed within one year.
• Wage & Hour Violations: Claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) must be filed within two years (three years for willful violations).

Missing these deadlines could prevent you from seeking justice, so it is important to act quickly.

Contact a Nassau County Employment Lawyer Today

If you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wage violations, the experienced attorneys at Phillips & Associates can help. Our team is dedicated to protecting your workplace rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (866) 229-9441 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with a Nassau County employment attorney.