Helping employees who have been treated unfairly get the justice they deserve
Our work can give us a sense of pride and accomplishment, but the workplace can also be a source of discrimination and mistreatment. We have helped numerous employees obtain justice after they were treated wrongly or unfairly terminated just because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or another protected characteristic, or because they chose to stand up against an employer who was violating the law.
Do I have the right to see what's in my personnel file?
Yes. In Michigan, under the Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right-to-Know Act, all employees are entitled to review their personnel file. The employer does not have to provide you with a copy - just an opportunity to review it - but most will provide a copy if you request it.
I reported my employer for breaking the law, and they walked me out the next day. What are my rights?
You may have a claim as a whistleblower under Michigan's Whistleblowers' Protection Act. The statute of limitations for WPA claims is very short - only 90 days - so if you believe you have been retaliated against for engaging in whistleblowing activity, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
I think I am being treated differently at work because I am a member of a protected class. I notice that I keep getting passed up for promotion opportunities, and I know I make less money than other people who do not share my protected characteristic. What can I do?
You likely have several options, depending on your goals and what specifically you have experienced. You may be able to file an administrative complaint, or you may also have a sufficient claim to proceed with filing a complaint in court against your employer. It may also be possible to file an internal grievance with human resources or a workplace civil rights office, but remedies may be limited. An experienced attorney can help you assess your situation and provide guidance about what options are best for your unique situation.
I work for a public university, and they have told me that I'm not allowed to talk about my job or speak with reporters. Is this legal?
If you work for a public employer, you have certain rights to free speech and expression under the First Amendment. Employers have the right to limit your speech for certain reasons, but generally, a blanket ban on talking about your job or prohibiting who you can talk with is probably going to be legally problematic.
Do I have the right to see what's in my personnel file?
Yes. In Michigan, under the Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right-to-Know Act, all employees are entitled to review their personnel file. The employer does not have to provide you with a copy - just an opportunity to review it - but most will provide a copy if you request it.
I reported my employer for breaking the law, and they walked me out the next day. What are my rights?
You may have a claim as a whistleblower under Michigan's Whistleblowers' Protection Act. The statute of limitations for WPA claims is very short - only 90 days - so if you believe you have been retaliated against for engaging in whistleblowing activity, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
I think I am being treated differently at work because I am a member of a protected class. I notice that I keep getting passed up for promotion opportunities, and I know I make less money than other people who do not share my protected characteristic. What can I do?
You likely have several options, depending on your goals and what specifically you have experienced. You may be able to file an administrative complaint, or you may also have a sufficient claim to proceed with filing a complaint in court against your employer. It may also be possible to file an internal grievance with human resources or a workplace civil rights office, but remedies may be limited. An experienced attorney can help you assess your situation and provide guidance about what options are best for your unique situation.
I work for a public university, and they have told me that I'm not allowed to talk about my job or speak with reporters. Is this legal?
If you work for a public employer, you have certain rights to free speech and expression under the First Amendment. Employers have the right to limit your speech for certain reasons, but generally, a blanket ban on talking about your job or prohibiting who you can talk with is probably going to be legally problematic.
