At JacksonWhite, our labor and employment lawyers have a thorough understanding of the issues affecting both employers and employees. We have represented employers and employees alike in a broad range of legal disputes and fair employment practices. Our team has comprehensive experience in federal and state employment laws including compensation laws, fair employment practices, employment audits, employment agreements, training procedures, claims and litigation. Our team has expertise in handling the following issues:
- Sexual Harassment
- Discrimination – Age, Race, Religion, National Origin, Disability & Sex
- Retaliation
- Risk Management Assessment
- Handbooks, Policies & Contracts
- Compliance Audits
- Employment Contracts
- Employee Privacy
- Whistle Blowing
- Wrongful Termination / Breach of Contract
- Fair Labor Standards Act (Wage & Hour)
- Family and Medical Leave
- OSHA Compliance
- Employee Benefits
- Executive Compensation
A critical part of establishing a successful business is creating a safe and healthy work environment in which employees can operate productively. While each and every work environment has its own unique characteristics, employers everywhere have the responsibility to follow certain guidelines. For instance, employers are broadly prohibited against discriminating against employees. Such broad prohibitions against discrimination cover: sexual harassment, pregnancy-based discrimination, religious accommodation, national origin discrimination, and retaliation.
In addition to these broad prohibitions against employment discrimination, specific protections for both employees and employers have been put into place on a state and national level. These protections include laws prohibiting job discrimination and laws covering employers. Employers and employees alike should familiarize themselves with these protections to protect their rights and fulfill their responsibilities.
JacksonWhite recognizes the importance of having a safe work environment. We believe that employers can take preventative measures to create such an environment. Small businesses and large corporations alike have a responsibility to their employees, and measures can be taken by employers to create safety and security for employees in the workplace. Indeed, employers have an obligation to consider ways to prevent employment discrimination.
Immigration Issues
Arizona’s location on the Mexican border creates a unique set of employment issues arising from the significant number of undocumented workers. In fact, it has been estimated that approximately ten percent of Arizona’s workforce is made up of illegal immigrants. To deal with this problem, Arizona recently passed new legislation which directly assaults business owners who knowingly hire undocumented workers. Under the new legislation, business owners can be sanctioned, and even have their business licenses revoked for such hiring practices. However, sanctions cannot be imposed without a full evidentiary hearing before the Arizona Superior Court. And at Jackson White, we have years of employment and business law experience to put behind our clients who need representation in these matters.
