As a Texas discrimination attorney, we are frequently asked about the difference between employment lawyers and labor lawyers. While both types of attorneys focus on issues related to the workplace, there are some key distinctions between the two.
What Do Employment Lawyers Do?
Employment lawyers represent individual employees in a wide range of employment-related matters, including:
Wrongful termination
Employment lawyers can help employees who have been fired without just cause. They can investigate the circumstances of the termination, assess whether it was legal, and represent employees in legal proceedings if necessary.
Discrimination
Employment lawyers can help employees who have been discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. They can file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or other relevant agencies, and represent employees in court if necessary.
Harassment
Employment lawyers can help employees who have been harassed in the workplace, including sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and hostile work environment harassment. They can investigate the harassment, assess whether it is illegal, and represent employees in legal proceedings if necessary.
Wage and hour disputes
Employment lawyers can help employees who have been denied overtime pay, minimum wage, or other forms of compensation. They can investigate the dispute, assess whether the employer is in violation of the law, and represent employees in legal proceedings if necessary.
What Do Labor Lawyers Do?
Labor lawyers represent unions and their members in a wide range of labor-related matters, including:
Collective bargaining
Labor lawyers negotiate collective bargaining agreements on behalf of unions, which are contracts between unions and employers that outline the terms and conditions of employment for union members.
Union representation
Labor lawyers represent unions in grievance and arbitration proceedings, which are procedures for resolving disputes between unions and employers.
Unfair labor practices
Labor lawyers file charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on behalf of unions when employers engage in unfair labor practices, such as interfering with union organizing or discriminating against union members.
Let’s Understand Their Key Differences
The primary distinction between employment lawyers and labor lawyers lies in their clientele and the focus of their practice:
Clientele
Employment lawyers represent individual employees, while labor lawyers primarily represent labor unions and their members.
Focus of Practice
Employment lawyers handle a broader range of workplace issues affecting individual employees, while labor lawyers specialize in union-related matters.
How Do You Know Which Lawyer You Should Consult With?
If you are facing workplace issues, it is crucial to determine whether your situation requires the expertise of an employment lawyer or a labor lawyer.
Seek an employment lawyer if:
- You have been wrongfully terminated or discriminated against.
- You are experiencing wage and hour violations or unpaid overtime.
- You have been subjected to harassment or retaliation in the workplace.
- You have concerns about workplace safety or health hazards.
- You need assistance with family or medical leave entitlements.
Consult a labor lawyer if:
You are involved in union-related matters, such as organizing or representing a union.
- You are negotiating or enforcing a collective bargaining agreement.
- You need representation in a grievance or arbitration proceeding.
- You are facing legal disputes with your employer as a union member.
How We Can Provide You the Assistance You Need
At our employment attorney law firm, Texas Discrimination Attorney, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to employees facing a wide spectrum of workplace challenges. Our team of experienced employment & labor lawyers are passionate about advocating for individual employees and ensuring their rights are protected. We understand the complexities of employment law and are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation.
If you have any questions or concerns about employment law matters, please contact our firm for a consultation.
We are here to help you navigate the legal landscape and protect your rights as an employee.