Know your rights at work

What you can do right now if you think your rights were violated

Start by writing down what happened. Include dates, times, names, witnesses, what was said or done, and any changes to your schedule, pay, job duties, or treatment after you spoke up.

Keep your own copy of basic information like pay stubs, schedules, job offers, handbooks, and performance reviews if you already have lawful access to them. Do not take or post confidential company information, and do not upload sensitive documents to this site.

If it feels safe, report the problem using your employer's process, such as HR, a supervisor, or a complaint hotline. If the problem involves your supervisor, use another reporting path if one exists.

Then consider talking with a licensed employment attorney quickly, because deadlines can be short. WorkRightMatch is a free attorney-matching and educational service, not a law firm and not your lawyer. We can help you get matched with an independent attorney who may offer a free consultation.

Basic workplace rights many workers have in the US

Many workers have the right to be paid correctly, to work without illegal discrimination or harassment, and to be free from retaliation for reporting workplace problems. You also may have rights related to medical leave, disability accommodation, pregnancy, religion, whistleblowing, and final pay, depending on the facts and the law that applies.

A job can still be "at will" in most states, which means an employer often can fire a worker for many reasons or no stated reason at all. But an employer generally cannot fire, demote, cut hours, or punish someone for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, taking protected leave, or refusing unlawful conduct. You can learn more in what counts as wrongful termination and at-will employment explained.

Common protections may include:
- Pay for all hours worked, including overtime when the law requires it
- A workplace free from illegal harassment based on protected traits
- Protection against discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, and other protected categories under federal, state, or local law
- Protection against retaliation after reporting discrimination, harassment, safety issues, wage problems, or other protected concerns
- Rights related to medical leave, pregnancy, disability accommodation, or religious accommodation in some situations

The exact rights you have depend on your state, your job, your employer's size, and the type of claim. This is general educational information, not legal advice, so it is smart to confirm your specific rights with a licensed attorney.

Illegal firing, discrimination, harassment, wages, and retaliation explained

Illegal firing: Being fired does not automatically mean the law was broken. But if you were fired after reporting misconduct, asking for protected leave, complaining about discrimination, requesting an accommodation, or because of a protected characteristic, you may have a legal claim.

Discrimination and harassment: Employers generally cannot make job decisions or allow severe or pervasive harassment based on protected characteristics covered by law. This can include hiring, firing, pay, promotions, discipline, scheduling, and hostile treatment. Read more about workplace discrimination and workplace harassment.

Unpaid wages and overtime: You generally must be paid for all hours you are allowed or required to work. That can include some off-the-clock work, missed overtime, illegal deductions, certain final paycheck issues, or tip problems in restaurants and service jobs. See how overtime pay works and off-the-clock work.

Retaliation: The law often protects workers who complain in good faith about illegal conduct or take part in an investigation. If your employer cut your hours, wrote you up, demoted you, transferred you, threatened you, or fired you after you spoke up, that may be retaliation. Learn more at retaliation after a complaint and services for retaliation.

Your rights may still apply if you are an immigrant, low-wage worker, or do not speak English well

Many workplace rights apply regardless of immigration status. Employers generally still cannot refuse to pay earned wages, retaliate for complaints, or target workers with illegal discrimination or harassment. If you are worried because you are new to the US or English is not your first language, you are not alone.

Low-wage workers, tipped workers, and recent immigrants are often hit hard by wage theft, off-the-clock work, threats, and unfair treatment. Plain-language help is available through our guides for workplace rights for immigrant workers, rights for low-wage workers, and non-English-speaking workers.

WorkRightMatch does not give immigration legal advice, and talking to a licensed attorney about your specific facts is important. If you want to explore your options, you can get matched for a free consultation with an independent employment attorney.

Do not wait too long because legal deadlines can be short

Employment claims have deadlines, and some can be as short as 180 days. The time limit depends on the type of claim, the state, and sometimes whether you must file with an agency before going to court.

For example, some discrimination claims may require an agency charge before a lawsuit, while wage claims may use different deadlines. Waiting too long can make it harder to protect your rights, gather evidence, or recover money even if your claim is strong.

If you think your employer broke the law, try to act promptly. Use our deadline quick guide, read statute of limitations for employment claims, and consider getting matched to speak with an independent attorney about the deadlines that may apply in your case.