Employment Law in Chandler, AZ

According to LendingTree, the average household in America spends $61,334 per year. That represents monthly expenditures of $5,111 per month.

When you lose your job, the costs tend to stack up quickly. Hunting for a new position can take months, and your unemployment benefits only go so far.

Employees who wind up in this situation due to wrongful termination can easily justify a lawsuit. Uncover what an employment attorney in Chandler can do in various circumstances in this article.

What Is Employment Law?

Employment law pertains to the duties, rights, and responsibilities between an employer and an employee. Employment lawyers offer legal services to employees and employers. Although they often concentrate on serving one or the other. Irrespective of who they represent, their primary objective is to build a compelling case and protect their clients.

Understanding Employment Law Labor Rights in Chandler, Arizona

Employment law safeguards the rights of employees. If employers violate these rights, employees can complain about them. Labor laws vary across states, with some outlining provisions for eligible independent contractors. Below are the most frequently addressed subjects in employment law nationwide.

Wage and Hour Laws

Non-exempt workers have protections from employers mandating work at low wages. Additionally, they have a specified number of hours they can work without increased compensation. These wage and hour laws outline the minimum hourly wages and the maximum hours before receiving overtime pay.

Arizona has distinctive wage and hour laws. Nevertheless, the federal legal code establishes the minimum requirements that all states must follow. For instance, the federal minimum wage is $7.25, but most states have higher minimum wage levels.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees can only work up to 40 hours per week at their standard wage. If they surpass this number, the employer must pay at least time and a half for overtime hours. Some states also mandate overtime pay for working on weekends or holidays.

Arguably, the most critical law that protects worker wages in Chandler is the state’s Minimum Wage Act. As of January 1, 2023, employers in Arizona must pay a minimum of $12.80 per hour. Arizona law also requires employers to pay employees regularly. Furthermore, they must issue paychecks for all hours worked and provide itemized wage statements.

Workers’ Compensation

If you have suffered a work-related injury in Chandler, AZ, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. This benefit encompasses remuneration for lost income and medical expenses. It can apply to incidents that happened in the past or the future, stemming from your workplace injury.

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must satisfy these criteria:

• Be an employee
• Have sustained a work-related illness or injury
• Your employer has workers’ compensation insurance
• You adhere to the deadline for filing a claim

Despite these requirements, some exceptions may still entitle you to workers’ compensation benefits. However, if your employer rejects your claim, it is advisable to seek the help of a skilled Chandler lawyer.

Termination Rights under Chandler, Arizona Employment Law

Residing in an at-will state signifies that you can lose your job without prior notice or reason. However, even in such cases, employees have rights. Any breach of those privileges can be a wrongful termination.

Your termination may be wrongful if your employer is guilty of one or more of the following circumstances:

• Breaking written promises or contracts
• Failing to follow through on implied promises
• Breaches of good faith and fair dealing
• Retaliating for reporting the company to authorities
• Discriminating based on sex, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, or sexual orientation
• Defaming you for your actions
• Committing fraud
• Violating whistleblower laws

Arizona is a right-to-work and at-will state currently. As a result, workers in Chandler do not have to join a union as part of their employment. Organizations like the AFL-CIO oppose this doctrine as they claim it tilts the balance of power toward corporations.

If you have been through a wrongful termination, contact a skilled employment law attorney in Chandler, AZ. There are limitations on the time you have to file a claim.

Unemployment Benefits

If you lose your job, you may file for unemployment benefits through the state government. Upon receiving your claim, the agency will either grant or reject it. If they approve, you will receive payments based on weekly unemployment claims. However, your claim may receive a rejection for various reasons, which include:

• You lost your job due to misconduct
• You quit voluntarily and without coercion
• You do not have enough earnings to qualify

If your claim receives a denial, you may appeal the decision. This process enhances the likelihood of a successful outcome. There can be complications, so collaborate with an experienced Chandler attorney.

Paid and Unpaid Time Off

Certain states mandate employers to pay time off in addition to medical and family leave. These benefits often become unified into a single entity known as paid time off (PTO). The laws regulating this can differ from one state to another. But generally, PTO accrues gradually, and you receive a specific number of days annually.

Furthermore, there are certain states where the employer must compensate the employee for unused PTO. If your employer violates your state’s medical or family leave laws, you can file a complaint against them.

There are some provisions in Arizona law for accruing PTO with your employer. Organizations with fifteen or more employees must give a minimum of one hour of sick leave for 30 hours worked.

Child Labor Laws

Child labor laws are more rigorous and demand employers to be cautious when scheduling minors for work. Every state has its set of child labor laws that specify the maximum number of hours a minor can work. These laws also dictate how frequently minors should have breaks, their hours, and the number of days they can work.

Arizona regulations require employers in Chandler to comply with the following types of provisions:

• Children under 14 may not work in some agricultural or domestic service jobs.
• Teens between 14 and 15 may only work outside school hours and no more than 3 hours on school days.
• Teens between 16 and 17 may work up to 8 hours per day for 30 hours per week during school.
• Employers must keep employment certificates on file for all minors under 18.
• Employers may not require work in hazardous jobs.
• Employers must provide a minimum 30-minute rest period every 5 hours.
• Employers must obtain written consent from the minor’s parent or guardian.

Chandler, Arizona Employment Anti Discrimination Laws

Several federal anti-discrimination laws safeguard employees against employment discrimination. Below are some brief descriptions of these anti-discrimination acts:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act forbids employment decisions based on religion, color, race, sex, or national origin.
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) bars employers from mistreating anyone over 40.
• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) bans using pregnancy, childbirth, or corresponding requirements against employees or applicants.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits prejudicial decisions against qualified individuals with disabilities. This law includes requirements to provide reasonable accommodations.
• The Equal Pay Act requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work among men and women.

Sexual Harassment

Workplace sexual harassment is against the law, and employees have the right to fight it. Each state has legislation regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. But in general, employees should report this behavior to their HR department first. If they lose their job in retaliation for taking this action, that is also illegal behavior.

According to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, sexual harassment refers to the following actions:

• Unwanted sexual advances
• Lewd comments
• Conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment

This law applies to all employers in Chandler with at least one employee. Anyone who experiences sexual harassment can file a complaint with the Arizona Civil Rights Division or the EEOC.

Work With an Experienced Employment Lawyer in Chandler,  Arizona

If you still feel lost about your options, find direction from an experienced Chandler, AZ attorney.

However, finding the right lawyer can be challenging. Our services can help you connect with a qualified attorney in Arizona or across Arizona lines.

Contact us online or call (866) 345-6784 to get started.