Philadelphia Employment Attorney

Our Approach to Your Rights as Employment Lawyers 

We are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of employees in the workplace. Our firm's sole focus is the employee. We are well-versed in prevailing wage, WARN Act violations, and wage & hour disputes. We understand the complexities and challenges faced by employees in these areas and are committed to providing excellent legal representation to ensure fair treatment and just compensation in the workplace. 

Our Approach:

• Compassionate Advocacy in Employment Law: Our team understands the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies workplace disputes. We provide compassionate support to clients, listening to their concerns and offering personalized legal guidance.
• Formidable Legal Representation: With our in-depth knowledge of labor laws, we offer formidable legal representation. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees. We employ strategic approaches to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
• Education and Empowerment for Employees: We believe in empowering employees by educating them about their rights in the workplace. Through resources, we strive to equip workers with the knowledge they need to assert their rights confidently.
• Client-Centered Solutions for Employment Disputes: Every employment situation is unique. We strive to tailor our strategies to meet the specific needs of our clients. We prioritize open communication and transparency, keeping our clients informed at every stage of the legal proceedings.
• Community Engagement & Education: In addition to representing individual employees, we engage with the broader community to spread awareness about workers' rights. Our seminars and publications aim to inform not only our clients but also the general public about emerging legal trends and workplace rights. This focus on community education strengthens our mission, ensuring a well-informed workforce that can collectively advocate for healthier, more equitable working conditions. 

Philadelphia Employment Regulations: What You Need to Know

Philadelphia has specific employment regulations that differ from state laws and even other cities. The Philadelphia Fair Workweek law ensures predictable scheduling for employees, particularly in the retail, hospitality, and food service industries. This law requires businesses to provide advance notice of schedules and compensates employees for last-minute changes, thereby promoting job stability in these sectors. Understanding how these regulations impact your work environment is essential when navigating your rights.

Additionally, Philadelphia has enacted the Philadelphia Paid Sick Leave Law, which entitles employees to earn sick time based on hours worked. Such provisions are crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and safeguarding employee health. Many employees are unaware of these rights until it's too late. At Goodley McCarthy LLC, we make it our mission to inform our clients about these local laws and provide guidance on how to use them effectively for their benefit. This ensures that our clients can make informed decisions about their employment situations and stand up for their rights when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law

What are my rights under the Philadelphia Fair Workweek Law?

The Philadelphia Fair Workweek Law is designed to bring predictability and stability to employee schedules. Under this law, covered employers must provide employees with a written, good-faith estimate of their work schedule upon hire. Employees are also entitled to two weeks' notice of their work schedule, allowing them to plan their lives around predictable hours. If changes are made after this notice period, employers must compensate employees with premium pay. This law applies mainly to retail, hospitality, and food services sectors that employ more than 250 workers and have 30 or more locations worldwide. By ensuring transparency in scheduling, the law aims to provide employees with a more balanced work-life, easing the stress that comes with last-minute changes and allowing for better overall planning and stability.

How does the Philadelphia Paid Sick Leave Law benefit me?

The Philadelphia Paid Sick Leave Law aims to provide employees with the necessary time to recover from illnesses or care for a sick family member without the financial burden of losing income. Eligible employees accrue one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked, ensuring they have time off when needed. This leave can be used for personal illness, family care, or issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The law applies to employees who work in Philadelphia for at least 40 hours a year under the direction of an employer. By advocating for paid sick leave, Philadelphia seeks to protect both employees and public health, acknowledging the important balance between work and personal life.

What protections do whistleblowers have in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, whistleblowers are protected against retaliatory actions by their employers when they report illegal activities or violations of public policy. The Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law safeguards employees who report breaches in federal, state, or local law. Employees cannot be retaliated against for making such disclosures in good faith. At Goodley McCarthy LLC, we prioritize safeguarding the rights of whistleblowers, ensuring they can report wrongdoing without fear of losing their jobs or other retaliation. We provide guidance and support through the reporting process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in the workplace. Reporting violations is a crucial step towards maintaining ethical standards and enhancing accountability in various industries.

What is the WARN Act, and how does it apply to me?

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers to provide a 60-day notice in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs. This federal law applies to employers with 100 or more employees and aims to protect workers by giving them time to prepare for unemployment, seek other employment, or enter skills training programs. Understanding the WARN Act is essential for employees facing job transitions due to economic changes, mergers, or restructuring within their companies. At Goodley McCarthy LLC, we assist employees in comprehending their rights under the WARN Act and guide them through the process, should they face layoffs or organizational changes, ensuring they receive the proper notice and benefits they are entitled to.

How can I file a claim for unpaid wages in Philadelphia?

If you believe you are owed unpaid wages in Philadelphia, your first step should be documenting everything—hours worked, pay stubs, and any communication with your employer regarding payment issues. The Philadelphia Department of Labor is a resource where workers can file complaints for unpaid wages. At Goodley McCarthy LLC, our role is to provide additional support by evaluating your situation, advising on the appropriate steps, and potentially pursuing legal action if your rights have been infringed. We aim to help you navigate the system effectively to recover any lost wages or earned benefits, emphasizing your right to fair compensation for all your hard work.

Take the first step towards securing justice and fair compensation. Our legal team is ready to listen, evaluate your employment situation, and provide the legal representation you need to protect your rights in the workplace. Contact Goodley McCarthy LLC online or call us today at (215) 273-3491 to set up a free consultation.