We Help Protect Your Rights on the Job
You have the right to work without fear of being discriminated against or being harassed. Strict state and federal laws regulate the actions of employers. Unfortunately, many workers tolerate violations of their civil rights on the job because they are afraid to speak up. Putting an experienced lawyer on your side is your best legal option.At the Law Office of V. Michael Simko, Jr., LLC, in Shelton, Connecticut, we protect worker's rights. Employment law is a complex and multifaceted area of law. Attorney Mike Simko has more than 20 years of experience navigating through the complex legal issues that make up harassment, equal opportunity or discrimination claims.
If you feel your rights are being violated on the job and you don't know where to turn for help, contact us right away. We will arrange an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns with Attorney Simko. You will receive a full, honest evaluation of your legal options.
Our firm offers litigation and dispute resolution services in all areas of employment law, including claims relating to:
- Gender discrimination and sexual harassment
- Workplace harassment, hostile work environment
- Age, race and religious discrimination
- Discriminatory hiring practices
- Whistleblower claims, retaliation, unlawful termination
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations
- Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) claims
- Union Duty of Fair Representation (DFR) claims
In addition, Attorney Simko provides review of employment, severance and retirement agreements. Experienced Employment Lawyer
Attorney Mike Simko and his staff are experienced in practice before administrative agencies such as the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CCHRO), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Labor (DOL), and both state and federal Workers' Compensation Commissions. Attorney Mike Simko is also admitted to all Connecticut State and Federal Courts.
What Is Your Relationship With Your Boss?
There are two different types of employment relationships: contract employment and at-will employment. If the employment relationship is based on a valid contract entered into by the employer and the employee, including a union collective bargaining agreement, the terms of that contract will govern the relationship. By contrast, an at-will employment arrangement can be terminated at any time, with or without reason, by either the employer or the employee — provided the reason does not have a discriminatory basis.
Union Members, Collective Bargaining Agreements and Fair Representation
Unions exist for the sole purpose of representing workers in collective bargaining agreements with their employers. Collective bargaining is the process of negotiations between an employer and a group of employees to determine the conditions of employment. The result of those efforts is the collective bargaining agreement, which will be the starting place for resolving disputes between the employer and their employees.
However, sometimes the union fails to fairly represent its members in a dispute between the employee (the union member) and the employer. The union has a duty of fair representation to its members. A violation of that duty may be remedied by a complaint to the Connecticut Department of Labor against the union. An unfairly represented union member may be entitled to damages against its union as well as reimbursement of attorney fees.
Attorney Simko has successfully argued Duty of Fair Representation (DFR) claims before the Board of Labor Relations. Please call Attorney Mike Simko if you feel as though your union is not representing your best interests.
Contact us to learn more about ways we can help you protect your rights at work.
