Employment law encompasses a broad area of the law. Employer-employee relationships are governed under employment law. If a business has more than one employee, they may have to abide by both state and federal employment laws. The common goal of employment laws is to protect workers’ rights.

For employees, employment laws can work to prevent discrimination. Health and safety can be enforced by employment laws. The level of economic payment required is determined by employment law. Also, the prevention of disputes between management and employees as it pertains to labor and payment can be rectified through employment law. The following sections will review the employment laws in Tampa.

 

Minimum Wage in Tampa Florida

A minimum wage is the lowest pay an employer can legally pay a worker. The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed by Congress in 1938. At the time, the act established a federal minimum wage of 25 cents per hour. Since then, there is a federal minimum wage and each state has its minim wage laws.

Tampa’s minimum wage increased in 2020. The minimum wage increased from $8.46 to $8.56 on January 1, 2020. Tipped employees must receive at least $5.54 an hour. In 2004, there was a constitutional amendment approved that agreed to increase the minimum wage each year to reflect inflation.

Upcoming in November 2020, Florida residents will vote on a proposal that plans to gradually increase the state minimum wage to $15 an hour. The goal is to increase the minimum wage in Florida to $15 by 2026.

 

Unlawful Conduct In The Workplace

Unlawful conduct in the workplace is deemed any unfair treatment that is based on the employee’s traits that are protected by anti-discrimination laws. Both employees and job applicants are protected against unlawful conduct in the workplace.

Traits that are protected against anti-discrimination laws include:

  • Disability
  • Race
  • Age
  • Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
  • National origin

It is prohibited to retaliate against employees for reporting unlawful discriminatory misconduct at the workplace. Retaliation, in this case, is also considered a type of discrimination.

 

Unlawful Conduct In The Workplace Laws

Many federal laws prohibit unlawful conduct in the workplace. Laws of this nature are implemented to protect employees. Workplace misconduct laws include:

  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
  • Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
  • The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008

Each of the laws listed above helps to protect the civil rights of employees in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) processes charges and complaints of unlawful conduct and discrimination at the workplace.

 

Unemployment Offices in Tampa

Unemployment offices in Tampa, FL help to serve recently unemployed claimants. \The following are the unemployment offices located in Tampa.

 

  1. The Brandon Workforce Brandon Center

9350 Bay Plaza Boulevard, Suite 121, Tampa Fl 33619

 

  1. Plant City Workforce Plant City Center

200 E, Cherry Street, Plant City, FL 33563

 

  1. North Tampa Workforce Tampa Center

9215 North Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

 

The unemployment insurance program in Florida is called Reemployment Assistance. If a person loses their job, is put on furlough or has their hours reduced to zero at no fault of their own, they may qualify for the Reemployment Assistance program. Monetary assistance and help finding employment are issued through the Reemployment Assistance program.

Florida has made changes to the Reemployment Assistance program in response to the pandemic. Some of the changes include benefits available for independent contractors and self-employed individuals. Several program requirements are also waived during the pandemic.

 

When Do You Need An Attorney?

If unlawful conduct happens at the workplace, the EEOC will issue an investigation. Each misconduct situation is unique. In addition to the EEOC, a lawyer is helpful to assess the unique case. There are many unlawful actions that an employer can commit. If you have been harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against by your employer, you should contact an attorney.

The illegal firing or termination of employment is grounds to contact a lawyer for help. Other instances in which you need an attorney include:

  • Being forced to sign an agreement to waive your entitled rights
  • The violation of state or federal employment laws by the employer
  • If your employer does not give you the agreed-upon benefits in your employment contract

An employment attorney is the best person to contact if any of the above offenses occur. Waiting too long to contact a lawyer can damage your case. Contacting an attorney can help to prove the illegal misconduct of the employer and help you prevent you from recovering any damages.

 

When Do Employers Need An Attorney?

An employment attorney can educate employers on federal and state laws. The help of an employment attorney can ensure that the employer is following laws and staying compliant. If an employer needs representation for any type of collective bargaining negotiations, they should contact an employment attorney.

If an employee has filed a discrimination or harassment complaint, an employer should receive counsel from an employment lawyer. Any cause of action against an employer. by an employee is cause for contacting an attorney.

An employer should contact a lawyer if they plan to fire or layoff a large number of employees. Also, if an employer wants to terminate employee benefits or change a pension plan, an employment attorney should be contacted for counsel. Employers can have lawyers review employment contracts and agreements.