Several workers from a Starbucks in Memphis were recently fired from discussing unionization. This happens all the time – but did you know it’s illegal? Your job CAN’T legally fire you for joining or talking about a union!
Here are some other important rights every worker should know.
#1: Medical Privacy
You are entitled to medical privacy – mostly. Your employer can’t ask you details about your disabilities or require you to take any physical exams unrelated to your job. But in most states they CAN legally ask about an illness if you take off work or require a doctor's note.
#2: The Crown Act
This should be a nationwide law! But in certain states, it’s illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of someone’s hair texture or style.
#3: Blacklisting
When applying for a new job, your old employer is likely restricted about what they can say about you, but every state differs. Generally they CAN say bad things about you, though, if they’re true.
#4: Clocked In?
There are several laws in place that are meant to protect workers from “wage theft” – essentially, being forced to work while off the clock, work during breaks, or not take breaks at all. This is all illegal!
Employers will rarely tell you the truth – you DO have rights. If your employer denies you them, you can sue!