As the Arizona economy, together with the U.S. economy, faces a potentially long-lasting recession, many employees find themselves wondering whether they have a remedy for adverse employment actions influenced, at least in part, by their employer's financial motivation. Employers face similar concerns when faced with the reality of taking adverse employment actions against employees. Arizona Employment Attorney Kevin Harper believes employees and employers are wise to incur the minimal expense of consultation with an attorney to ensure they have acted and been dealt with in a lawful manner.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) March 6, 2009 -- Arizona was one of the first states to firmly sink into recession. This means a tough time for businesses and certainly for employees facing job cuts, layoffs and a bleak job market. Although Arizona's employment laws are generally employer-friendly, employees may not be harassed, discriminated against or terminated for improper reasons. Employees should act quickly where they feel they have been wronged because many claims will be precluded if not brought quickly. Unfortunately, many employees don't believe they are protected, and don't seek legal advice.
Arizona attorney Kevin Harper is seeing a significant upturn in the number of cases relating to employment law and knows not everyone who could obtain relief through violated employment laws is seeking legal advice: "For every person who comes in the door with a valid claim, I know there are ten other people who have failed to seek the advice they need," says Mr. Harper. "At the same time, employers can save themselves many thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs by seeking advice before taking a questionable action."
Employees and employers alike need to take time to review employment laws in connection with their current or previous employment or employees, and that won't be easy as the laws are ever changing. On Jan. 26, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a unanimous opinion granting more protection for employees against retaliatory actions taken by employers. Days later, President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act giving workers alleging pay discrimination more time to file lawsuits. And there are at least 20 other bills working their way through Congress that will increase employee rights.
Some of the most frequent complaints that Arizona employees have relate to harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and failure to pay a lawful wage. In some instances involving a termination, employers will offer severance payments to employees who have been let go in exchange for their agreement to sign away their right to sue. These agreements are enforceable, and Mr. Harper advises that before any individual signs away their rights they should consult with an attorney to ensure they are not abandoning significant claims in exchange for a token payment.
Harper Law is a boutique litigation firm helping individuals and businesses from throughout Arizona resolve disputes since 2004. The firms practice focuses on business, employment, and real estate litigation with experience handling a wide variety of civil litigation matters. Individuals interested in scheduling an employment law consultation with Harper Law should call 602-256-6400 or visit the firm's website at Harper Law Arizona.
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[Via Legal / Law]
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