Blog | Bell Law Group

What Are My Rights if I was Denied a Religious Accommodation at Work?

Employees in New York are entitled to reasonable accommodations that allow them to practice their religious beliefs. When an employee requests a religious accommodation, the employer must grant an accommodation (though not necessarily the specific accommodation requested) unless doing so would cause “undue hardship.” So, what are your rights if you were denied a religious accommodation at work? As with all employment-related matters, the answer to this question depends on the specific circumstances at hand.

Wrongful Furlough: What Federal Employees Need to Know

While federal agencies have broad authority to furlough their employees out of necessity, there are protections in place for federal workers. Subject to certain exceptions, these include both procedural protections that require advance notice and an opportunity to be heard and substantive protections that restrict the reasons why federal agencies can choose specific employees to furlough. With this in mind, if you have been furloughed and have reason to believe that your furlough may be wrongful, it will be worth talking to a federal employment lawyer about your legal rights.

Should You Go Through the EEO Counseling Process or Request ADR?

If you are a federal employee and you have experienced discrimination or harassment in the workplace, seeking accountability may involve filing an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint. This is a highly structured process that is subject to strict deadlines—and, if you don’t follow the process correctly, this alone could prevent you from securing the remedies you deserve. Before you can file a formal complaint with the U.S.

When Does Non-Physical Conduct Constitute Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

While sexual harassment is often physical in nature, employees can (and do) experience various forms of non-physical sexual harassment on the job as well. Whether sexual harassment is physical or non-physical in nature, employees who are victims have the same legal rights. Sexual harassment is prohibited under New York and federal law, and employees who experience sexual harassment in the workplace can (and should) hire an employment lawyer to help them take appropriate legal action.

Can I Be Fired Because of My Immigration Status in New York?

In New York, all workers are entitled to certain protections regardless of their immigration status. Federal law also prohibits discrimination in employment based on citizenship or immigration status. As a result, if you believe that you were fired because of your immigration status, it will be worth talking to a New York employment lawyer about your legal rights.

I-9 Audits and DHS Raids: Risks for Employers and Employees

As the federal government continues its crackdown on illegal immigration, employers across New York are increasingly finding themselves facing I-9 audits and raids conducted by agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These audits and raids can present significant risks for both employers and employees, and employers need to ensure that they handle these high-risk matters appropriately.