Other Unlawful Employment Practices in the Workplace
Not all unlawful workplace conduct fits neatly into a single category such as discrimination or retaliation. Federal and state employment laws address a range of additional employment practices that may be unlawful depending on the circumstances.
Burts Law assists employees in understanding how various employment laws apply to workplace conduct and in evaluating options when concerns arise outside of more commonly recognized categories.
Types of Other Unlawful Employment Practices
Employees may encounter unlawful employment practices in a variety of contexts, including:
- Wage and hour violations
- Employee misclassification
- Improper payroll or compensation practices
- Unlawful termination practices
- Violations of workplace leave laws
- Failure to follow required employment policies or procedures
Each situation is evaluated based on the facts and applicable law.
Common Unlawful Employment Practices Chart
| Employment Issue | General Description |
| Wage and Hour Violations | Unpaid overtime, minimum wage issues |
| Misclassification | Improper designation as independent contractor or exempt employee |
| Payroll Errors | Failure to pay earned wages or bonuses |
| Leave Violations | Improper denial of protected leave |
| Policy Violations | Failure to follow legally required procedures |
Wage and Hour and Compensation Issues
Wage and hour laws govern minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping requirements. Violations may occur when employees are not paid for all hours worked or are improperly classified as exempt from overtime requirements.
Employee Classification Issues
Classification issues arise when employees are incorrectly designated as independent contractors or exempt employees. Misclassification may affect wages, benefits, taxes, and legal protections.
Termination and Discipline Practices
While employment may be at-will in many situations, termination or discipline may still be unlawful if it violates statutory protections, contractual rights, or public policy.
Leave and Policy-Related Issues
Employees may be protected under various federal and state leave laws. Unlawful practices may involve failure to provide required leave, improper documentation demands, or retaliation related to leave usage.
FAQs: Other Unlawful Employment Practices
What if my issue does not fit under discrimination or retaliation?
Some employment issues fall under other legal frameworks. Evaluation focuses on the facts and applicable laws.
Are wage and hour issues considered employment law violations?
Yes. Wage and hour laws are a significant part of employment law.
Can misclassification affect my legal rights?
Misclassification may affect wages, benefits, and legal protections.
Is every unfair workplace action unlawful?
Not all unfair actions violate the law. Legal evaluation focuses on statutory and contractual requirements.
Are there deadlines for raising these types of claims?
Many employment claims are subject to specific filing deadlines.
How Other Unlawful Employment Practices May Intersect With Other Claims
Claims involving other unlawful employment practices may overlap with discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, or contract-related issues. Evaluation often involves considering multiple employment law frameworks.
Contact Burts Law
If you have questions about potential unlawful employment practices, contact Burts Law to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and available options.