Employment Law in Badger, AK

The most recent data suggests the per-capita income in Badger is $43,885. Meanwhile, most households manage to make $88,824 annually.

The loss of this income can be a traumatic and long-lasting experience. For instance, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to retrain and find a new career. However, the circumstances of your termination may justify seeking damages through the court system. This compensation could save the financial future for yourself and your family.

Do you believe you have a case that deserves the attention a lawsuit can provide? Then read this article carefully and talk to an attorney in our network today.

What Is Employment Law?

Employment law covers the rights and responsibilities of the employer-employee relationship. Generally, attorneys that specialize in this work represent one or the other. Regardless of which side they represent, they must provide a zealous defense.

Understanding Employment Law Labor Rights in Badger, Alaska

Employees have many rights that employers do not have the right to violate. Accordingly, each state has unique labor laws, and many even have contingencies for independent contractors. While this means there are many factors to consider, the most common employment law topics are below.

Wage and Hour Laws

Legislation shields non-exempt employees from becoming forced to work for long hours for low salaries without more pay. These wage and hour laws dictate the minimum wage and when employees should receive overtime. 

Alaska, like other states, has unique wage and hour laws. However, there are federal laws that supersede the requirements established by state governments. For instance, the federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009, but many states exceed it. 

Additionally, the Fair Labor Standards Act says non-exempt employees only have to work 40 hours per week at their regular wage. Once they go over that time, the employer must pay at least one and a half times the usual rate. Some states also make holiday pay mandatory, but this may not apply where you live.

The State of Alaska does not make paid time off mandatory for employers in Badger. But it does offer other protections for employees. One example worth considering is the minimum for overtime is one and a half times the regular hourly wage.

Workers’ Compensation

You may have an entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits when you suffer an injury or illness on the job in Badger, AK. This benefit includes payments for lost wages and medical bills that resulted from your employment. 

To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must meet these requirements:

• You must be an employee.
• You must have a work-related illness or injury.
• You must file before the deadline.

Exceptions exist to these requirements that can keep you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Nonetheless, if your employer denies your benefits, you should meet with a Badger attorney for help.

Termination Rights under Badger, Alaska Employment Law

If you live in an at-will state, your employment is “at-will.” This legislative doctrine means you can lose your job without notice or cause. However, even at-will employees have rights. A violation of those privileges can be a wrongful termination. A few illegal reasons for an employer to end your employment are:

• Breaking verbal assurances or written contracts
• Not fulfilling implied promises
• Taking actions that are not in good faith or fair dealing
• Violating public policy
• Participating in discrimination
• Defaming current or former employees
• Committing fraud
• Violating whistleblower laws

Alaska is an at-will employment state currently. This legal doctrine means an employer can terminate employment without giving cause.

Do you have reason to believe you lost your job due to one of the situations mentioned above? Then do not delay contacting a Badger, AK employment law attorney. There can be strict limitations on when you can file a claim.

Unemployment Benefits

Many individuals who lose their job qualify for unemployment benefits. Assuming your application is successful, you will receive regular checks based on your income for the last year. Some common reasons for denials from the state government are:

• You lost your job for illegal activities or misconduct.
• You quit your job voluntarily
• You do not have enough earnings to qualify for unemployment

You have the option to appeal if the government denies your claim. A Badger attorney can help you present a strong case and improve your odds of reversing the decision.

Paid and Unpaid Time Off

Some states make paid time off for medical or family leave a requirement. Often, this benefit combines with your paid time off (PTO). The law varies, but this time usually accumulates over time, and you receive a set amount of days per year.

Some states also have laws that make employers pay your unused PTO. In these circumstances, you can file a complaint when they do not follow the medical or family leave laws.

As mentioned above, your employer in Badger does not have to provide paid leave. Regardless, many of them will do so voluntarily. If they make this promise, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development expects them to honor it.

Child Labor Laws

Child labor laws are even more strict than other labor legislation. As a result, employers must take care of when they schedule minors. Every state has a threshold for how long and when a minor can work. Moreover, there can be different requirements for when they have to take a break or the hours they can work.

The State of Alaska publishes a summary of its child labor laws. They set boundaries for how long and when a minor can work in this document. These rules vary from the ages of 14 – 15 and 16 – 17, not to mention their limitations while school is in session.

Badger, Alaska Employment Anti Discrimination Laws

There are several federal laws meant to protect employees from employment discrimination. A few of the most crucial ones are:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: prohibits employers from choosing their job applicants based on race, religion, color, sex, and national origin.
• Age Discrimination Act: Prohibits discrimination based on age for employees over 40.
• Pregnancy Discrimination Act: Prohibits employers from discriminating based on pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition.
• Americans with Disabilities Act: Prohibits employers from discriminating against people with disabilities at any time during the application or hiring process or once the person holds the job.
• Equal Pay Act: Requires employers to give men and women equal pay for equal work.

Sexual Harassment

Employees can lean on legislation to protect them from further sexual harassment. For starters, you have legal safeguards from retaliation, like losing your job for reporting your manager. You should also have the ability to report incidents to your HR department.

Alaska Statutes have two tiers of sexual harassment charges. Second-degree violations involve behaviors like sending unwanted nude pictures to coworkers in Badger. The most severe allegations happen when these incidents become physical.

Work With an Experienced Employment Lawyer in Badger,  Alaska

If you have employment law concerns in Alaska, or you’re currently preparing for a case in Badger, AK then working with an experienced attorney can help. The hard part is finding the right one. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Alaska state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!