Labor & Employment Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Labor and Employment Law in Washington, DC

Injustice in the workplace persists, despite numerous federal and District of Columbia laws designed to protect workers from exploitation, discrimination, and inequality. Even today, Washington, DC workers may face disadvantages due to their color, disability, race, gender, or other traits.

Fodera Law Firm believes worker exploitation and discrimination are unacceptable. We work tirelessly to help employees stand up against unscrupulous employers and secure what they deserve. If you’ve experienced wage and labor violations or unlawful discrimination, our labor and employment lawyers in Washington, DC, want to hear from you. We can help you fight back and seek compensation. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation case review to explore your legal options.

Wage and Hour Law Violations in Washington, DC

If your employer violates wage and hour laws, such as denying overtime pay or making illegal paycheck deductions, you can hold them accountable. Common wage and hour violations include:

Minimum Wage Violations

According to the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES), the minimum wage in Washington, DC, is $16.10 per hour as of July 1, 2022, significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Tipped employees in DC must earn at least $5.35 per hour.

Most employees are entitled to the minimum wage. For salaried employees, divide your weekly salary by hours worked to ensure it meets or exceeds the minimum wage. If your employer underpays you, DC labor laws allow you to recover up to four times the owed amount, plus costs and attorney’s fees.

Failing to Pay Overtime

Under the District of Columbia Minimum Wage Act, most employees are entitled to one and a half times their regular pay rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Overtime violations may occur due to:

• Employers miscalculating pay

• Paying a flat salary

• Misclassifying workers as exempt

Failing to pay overtime is wage theft. If you suspect you’re owed overtime, contact a Fodera Law Firm labor and employment lawyer in Washington, DC. You could recover up to four times the unpaid wages.

Failing to Pay Breaks

While DC employers are not required to provide breaks, they must pay for breaks lasting 20 minutes or less. Meal breaks of 30 minutes or more may be unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of duties.

Unlawful Paycheck Deductions

Employers in DC generally cannot deduct amounts from paychecks for items benefiting the employer, like equipment, theft losses, or uniforms. Exceptions include taxes, pension contributions, and court-ordered garnishments.

Refusing Family and Medical Leave

DC workers are entitled to generous family and medical leave. In addition to the 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), DC employees can take up to 16 weeks total for:

• Childbirth or adoption

• Temporary disability or significant medical conditions

• Caring for a family member with a serious illness

DC employees may also qualify for paid leave in certain cases. If your employer wrongfully denies leave, you can file a complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR).

Your Rights When Returning to Work

Employers must restore you to your previous position or an equivalent role upon returning from leave, with similar pay, benefits, duties, and working conditions.

Contact Fodera Law Firm today for a free case review to discuss your workplace rights and legal options in Washington, DC.

Employment Discrimination

Federal laws and the DC Human Rights Act (DCHRA) protect employees from workplace discrimination based on:

• Color

• Age

• Race

• National Origin

• Disability

• Religion

• Gender

• Pregnancy

• Sexual Orientation

• Marital Status

Examples of Unlawful Discrimination

Discrimination can be overt or subtle, including:

• Denying a job or promotion due to age

• Refusing to hire based on race, color, or nationality

• Failing to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities

• Discriminatory harassment, such as racial slurs

• Firing a pregnant employee

• Unequal pay or benefits based on gender

• Wrongful termination

Discrimination is illegal and distressing. If you’ve faced workplace discrimination, Fodera Law Firm’s labor and employment lawyers in Washington, DC, can help you file a claim or lawsuit to demand justice and compensation.

Unlawful Retaliation in Washington, DC

Retaliation against employees for actions like filing discrimination or workers’ compensation claims is illegal. In 2021, over half of all charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) were retaliation-based.

Don’t Wait to Protect Your Employment

If you believe you are being treated unfairly at work, consulting an Employment Lawyer prior to facing termination or demotion can help ensure that your rights are protected. In many cases, Employers use documentation like Performance Improvement Plans and write-ups to cover discrimination with legal business justifications and learning how to create your own paper trail can help ensure that your side of the story is not lost. 

The Fodera Law Firm has a proven track record of assisting clients with issues such as:

• Discrimination

• Contract Disputes

• Unpaid Wages

• Non-Compete Agreements

• Sexual Harassment

• Retaliation

• Wrongful Termination

• Reasonable Accommodation Requests