Maybe. Georgia is a “one-party consent” state for purposes of recording conversations and events (audio, not video). If your employer has rules prohibiting recording conversations, you could be fired for doing so. Otherwise, Georgia law allows you to record conversations if you are a party to that conversation. (You can't record a conversation by "eavesdropping" - for example, by turning on a recorder and leaving the room.) The best practice is to follow your employer’s rules, policies, and procedures on this subject, but lawfully recording a conversation can be one of the most effective tools you have to protect your job and your rights.
I’m being harassed. What can I do about it?
Generally, harassment isn’t illegal. If you’re being harassed because of your race, age, sex, disability, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, objecting to an illegal practice of your employer, taking Family and Medical leave, serving jury duty, or some other legally protected category, then the situation you are in may be against the law. And that’s only if your employer meets the threshold level of number of employees to fall under the anti-discrimination laws. Contact us to determine your legal rights.
Should I quit my job?
Not unless you’ve got another job lined up! This is a tough economy and generally speaking, finding a new job is easier when you already have one. From a legal perspective, it may be more difficult for us to help you if you voluntarily resign. Call us before you make a final decision.
Can I record stuff at work?
Maybe. Georgia is a “one-party consent” state for purposes of recording conversations and events (audio, not video). If your employer has rules prohibiting recording conversations, you could be fired for doing so. Otherwise, Georgia law allows you to record conversations if you are a party to that conversation. (You can't record a conversation by "eavesdropping" - for example, by turning on a recorder and leaving the room.) The best practice is to follow your employer’s rules, policies, and procedures on this subject, but lawfully recording a conversation can be one of the most effective tools you have to protect your job and your rights.
My employer isn’t giving me breaks. Is that allowed?
Yes. The law doesn’t require meal or rest breaks. If your employer provides you with breaks, great. If your employer doesn’t provide you with breaks, there’s not much you can do. Employers frequently provide breaks of short duration, typically lasting 5-20 minutes. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay you for these breaks. However, the FLSA does not require employers to pay you for meal breaks of longer than 30 minutes if you aren't required to do any work during that time. If you need breaks because of a needed accommodation for a medical condition or a disability, you may have a legal claim. Give us a call.