Employment is a human right. It is fundamental to human dignity and social inclusion. The impacts of an unjust job action or unfavorable working conditions can be so severe that laws to prevent them need to be updated. In Washington, D.C., most employees (other than...
Washington, DC Employment Law Blog
What constitutes quid pro quo workplace harassment?
Harassment can take many different forms based on an individual's position and the coworkers or supervisors who decide to harass them. Some workplace harassment involves multiple people targeting one individual. A hostile work environment often is mistreating one...
Beyond the ADA: Exploring DC’s disability protections
Imagine showing up to work, excited to tackle the day's tasks, only to face barriers that prevent you from doing your job. For many people in Washington D.C., this is a harsh reality. Disability discrimination is a serious problem that can leave workers feeling...
When does FMLA coverage start?
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may be the legal option for those seeking job-protected leave. This legislation grants workers a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid time off during a one-year period for family or health-related reasons. Understanding when...
The impact of power dynamics in workplace sexual harassment
Workplace sexual harassment is a pervasive problem that can have profound consequences for victims. Power dynamics is one of the key factors that can contribute to sexual harassment. When someone in a position of power uses their influence to exploit or harass others,...
Beyond visible disabilities: Asserting your rights at work
Many people living with disabilities face unique challenges in the workplace. However, the struggle can be even more daunting for those with conditions that may not be immediately apparent to others, such as mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, or neurological...
3 actions that can make an employee a whistleblower
Some employee actions are protected under federal and state or local laws. Speaking up about illegal or dangerous conduct at a business makes a worker a whistleblower. There are a number of federal and state laws that may protect some but not all whistleblowers from...
How does FMLA interact with other leave laws?
Many employees have the right to take time off from work, especially if it is due to a family emergency, health condition, or other personal circumstance. However, with the web of laws surrounding this, it can get confusing which leave laws best suit your needs. The...
Standing up against sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace
According to a recent Center for American Progress report, LGBTQI+ individuals continue to face significant discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment. If you feel uncomfortable, undervalued or even threatened at your workplace because of your...
What does workplace retaliation look like?
If you start to feel targeted at work after protesting illegal conduct or filing a complaint, that could be a case of workplace retaliation. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, retaliation is one of the most prevalent forms of workplace...