Federal Employment Lawyer Tampa, FL

When you are having issues at your workplace and you are federally employed, a Tampa, FL federal employment lawyer knows that things can feel even more complicated than they would if you were in a private sector job. Unfortunately, there are several reasons that you may find yourself needing a federal employment lawyer and if you are in a situation where you find yourself in any danger, it is first important to get yourself out of that situation, find someone you can trust, and stay in a safe place. The next thing you should do is call an attorney you can rely on from Hoyer Law Group, PLLC. 

Reasons Why You May Need A Lawyer

Especially when you are working on the federal side, you may find that laws become more complicated and the stakes can feel higher. It is important that you find a Tampa federal employment lawyer you can trust during this time so that you can have peace of mind knowing your case is in good hands. You may find that you need a lawyer if: 

• You were sexually harassed. Unfortunately, this is all too common in any line of work. However, if you are a federal employee, it can feel like things get swept under the rug easily or that the issue simply gets pushed to the wayside. If you have been sexually harassed or abused, it is crucial that you speak with a lawyer right away. If this is happening to you, you can almost guarantee it has–or is–happening to another. 

• You faced discrimination. If you were discriminated against for reasons such as age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality, you have every right to get a lawyer and file a case. Many people realize that their boss passes them up for raises, promotions, or even chooses to fire them over such things. When this is the case, it is time to speak with your lawyer. 

• You were encouraged to do illegal activities. If your senior management encouraged you to “bend the law” or do activities that you know are illegal, they may have said that you would have a better time once you’re up for a raise or promotion if you do certain activities. This type of coercion or threat to terminate is not legal. 

• You used your leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act is there for a reason. If you recently gave birth or needed to take care of an ill family member, you have the right to take leave. If you believe you were well within your rights to take this leave, your employer cannot fire you. While it’s true that they are only required to keep your position, if you believe your employer is using this as an opportunity to push you out, speak with a lawyer now. 

The law becomes muddy when you believe that you are facing employment issues as a federal employee. You may be concerned that your employer is doing something illegal or you may believe that you work in a hostile and unsafe work environment. If you are ready to move forward with your claim, reach out to Hoyer Law Group, PLLC. A Tampa federal employment lawyer is ready to take your call. 

Steps To Take If You Face Discrimination In A Federal Workplace

Experiencing discrimination in a federal workplace can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that we have rights and avenues to address the situation. Federal employees are protected under several laws designed to prevent discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, age, and more. Taking the right steps is essential to protecting our rights and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Recognizing Discrimination

The first step in addressing workplace discrimination is recognizing when it’s happening. Discrimination can take many forms, including unfair treatment, harassment, denial of opportunities, or retaliation for reporting misconduct. These actions may be subtle or overt, but if they are based on protected characteristics, they violate federal employment laws.

When we notice discriminatory behavior, it’s important to document specific instances. Keeping detailed records, including dates, times, and descriptions of incidents, helps establish a pattern of behavior. Emails, performance reviews, and witness statements can also serve as evidence to support our case.

Reporting Discrimination Internally

Federal agencies typically have internal processes for handling discrimination complaints. Reporting the issue to a supervisor, manager, or human resources department is often the first step. Agencies may also have an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office dedicated to addressing these concerns.

Filing an internal complaint is a way to alert the agency to the problem and give them an opportunity to resolve it. This process can include mediation or other informal resolutions. However, if the issue isn’t resolved or we face retaliation, we may need to take further action.

Filing A Complaint With The EEO

If internal efforts don’t lead to a resolution, federal employees can file a formal complaint with the agency’s EEO office. This process begins with contacting an EEO counselor to discuss the issue and explore options for resolution. If no resolution is reached, we can file a formal complaint, which triggers an investigation into the allegations.

The investigation will include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing relevant documents. It’s important to cooperate fully during this process and provide any information that supports our claim.

Pursuing Legal Action

If the EEO complaint does not result in a satisfactory outcome, we have the option to pursue legal action. This may involve filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or bringing a case before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), depending on the nature of the discrimination.

Working with a Tampa federal employment lawyer can help us navigate this process and build a strong case. Legal representation ensures that our rights are protected and that we have the guidance we need to achieve a fair resolution.

Contact Our Firm Today

Addressing discrimination in a federal workplace is never easy, but taking the right steps can help us protect our rights and seek justice. If you’ve experienced workplace discrimination in Tampa, contact Hoyer Law Group, PLLC today. A trusted Tampa  federal employment lawyer from our team can provide the support and legal representation you need to move forward. Let’s work together to hold those responsible accountable and create a fairer workplace.