Right to Work Law

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Labor and Employment Law Firm

Right to Work Law

Protect Your Right to Work

Florida is an “at-will” employment state. However, there are many exceptions to this general rule. In Florida, employees are protected against discrimination, retaliation, and harassment based on their membership in a protected class. There are also laws that govern pay, medical leave, disability accommodations, and other areas.

Employees Only

The Montone Law Firm, P.A. does not invest any of its time or resources representing employers. Employers have experienced attorneys ready to defend them—make sure you have experience on your side, too. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. has years of experience litigating and negotiating employment cases on behalf of individuals.

You don’t pay unless there is a recovery for you.

You don’t pay unless we recover for you. If you were wrongfully terminated, the last thing you need is to spend money on legal fees. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. does not put its clients in a position to choose between paying bills or the Firm.

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Millions Recovered

Get the Employment Law Firm That Will Fight for Your Rights.

Millions Recovered

Get the Employment Law Firm That Will Fight for Your Rights.

Practice Areas

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Race/Color Discrimination

RACE/COLOR DISCRIMINATION

Job discrimination based on race or color is illegal in the United States. Employers cannot treat employees less favorably because of their race or color. This includes hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or conditions of employment. Each and every race is protected by this law. Reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A. today to see if your rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act have been violated.

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Harassment

HARASSMENT

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age, disability, or genetic information (including family medical history). Harassment cases are typically very complex and emotional. If the conduct is severe or pervasive to the point that a reasonable person feels intimidation, hostility, or abuse, then there may be a legal claim. Sexual harassment is common, but the law safeguards every protected class from harassment.
Not all petty conduct is considered harassment under the law. However, some examples include but are not limited to offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, name calling, physical assaults or threats, as well as offensive imagery. Reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A. if you are currently being harassed at work or were already terminated after being harassed.

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Retaliation

RETALIATION

Retaliation is one of the most common employment claims, but it is often confused with the everyday meaning of the word “retaliation.” Under the law, an employer cannot retaliate against an employee for engaging in “protected activity.” Examples of protected activity are various and could be things such as filing or being a witness in an EEO Charge, complaint, or investigation, communicating with a supervisor or manager about employment discrimination, including harassment, answering questions during an employer investigation of alleged harassment, refusing to follow work orders that would result in discrimination, resisting sexual advances or intervening to protect others, or requesting disability or religious accommodation.
Additionally, employees have a right to seek and/or enjoy their rights and benefits under other statutes such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), and Florida’s worker’s compensation laws without being retaliated against.
Retaliation does not always mean termination. Some other examples of retaliation include an unwanted job transfer, demotion, reduction in pay or benefits, or even increased scrutiny.

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FMLA

FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees are entitled to:

Twelve workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for:

  • The birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth
  • The placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement
  • To care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition
  • A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job
  • Any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty”
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Disability Discrimination

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

The Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”) prohibits employers from treating applicants and employees unfavorably because of a disability or because the applicant or employee is believed to have a disability. The Act also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations of qualified individuals unless it causes undue hardship. The Act also prevents employers from treating employees unfairly because of their relationship to a person with a disability. Disability discrimination and accommodation requests are complex situations. If you are unsure about your case, reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A. today.

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Age Discrimination

AGE DISCRIMINATION

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) prohibits employers from discriminating against people that are age 40 or older. The ADEA does not protect individuals under the age of 40, however, Florida law does provide protection for younger workers. Harassing an employee because of their age is illegal. Also, employers cannot give preference to younger employees in hiring, firing, payment, job promotion, or job assignments. They also cannot assign job tasks solely based on age. Examples of age discrimination are many. Unsure about your case? Reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A.

P

Sexual Harassment

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is part of Title VII’s prohibition on gender or sex-based discrimination. Sexual harassment is unwanted physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature. This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical harassment with a sexual tone. Harassment is illegal if it is severe or pervasive to the point where it creates a hostile work environment or results in an adverse employment action such as the employee being terminated.
Notably, harassers are not just supervisors or managers. They can be co-workers or even an individual that is not employed by your employer. Sexual harassment is one of the most emotional forms of discrimination and can be life changing. These cases require a seasoned attorney that has seen many of these sensitive situations and knows how to handle them with care.

P

Gender Discrimination

GENDER DISCRIMINATION

Title VII prohibits employers from treating an employee differently, or unfavorably, based on gender or sex. This protection includes sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy as part of the protected class. The victim and the harasser can be any sex and may be the same sex or a different sex.

P

Pregnancy Discrimination

PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION

Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (“PDA”), it is illegal for employers to treat an applicant or employee unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Accommodations for pregnant women may also be required under certain circumstances. No special treatment is required of pregnancy accommodation requests, however an employer must treat pregnant women who cannot perform their job due to a medical condition the same way it would treat other temporarily disabled employees.
Often times, women discover changes to their job duties or schedule once they notify their employer of their pregnancy. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. has seen many of these cases. If you have questions or are being treated less favorably because of your pregnancy, call The Montone Law Firm, P.A. today.

P

Executives/Professionals

EXECUTIVES/PROFESSIONALS

Executive level individualsand professionals (doctors, accountants, CPAs, pharmacists, etc.) can face unique circumstances when wrongfully terminated. They have often provided years of service to their employer and have important benefits at stake. There can also be a heightened level of concern regarding their professional reputation. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. knows how difficult these situations can be and has the experience to help negotiate the terms of your employment, compensation, and benefits if faced with a wrongful termination.

P

Whistleblowers

WHISTLEBLOWERS

The Florida Private Whistleblower Act (“FPWA”) protects employees of covered employers from any retaliatory conduct because the employee has disclosed, or threatened to disclose, to any appropriate governmental agency, under oath, in writing, an activity, policy, or practice of the employer that is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. The statute also protects an employee that has provided information to, or testified before, any appropriate governmental agency, person, or entity conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into an alleged violation of a law, rule, or regulation by the employer. The statute also protects an employee that has objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity, policy, or practice of the employer which is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation.

P

Sexual Orientation Discrimination

SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCRIMINATION

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act makes it illegal to fire individuals because of their sexual orientation or transgender status. This is based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act’s prohibition on discrimination because of sex. It is also illegal to subject an employee to workplace harassment that creates a hostile work environment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

P

Religious Discrimination

RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION

Title VII prohibits employers from treating an employee differently, or unfavorably, because of religious beliefs. The law protects organized religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, and Buddhism. It also protects others with sincerely held religious beliefs. It is also illegal to harass an employee because of his or her religion.

P

National Origin Discrimination

NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION

According to federal law, it is illegal for employers to harass or discriminate against an employee because of their country of origin, accent, ethnic background, or perceived ethnic background. This also includes treating an employee unfavorably because they are married to or associated with someone of a particular national origin. If you are unsure about your case, reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A.

P

FLSA

FLSA

The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) is legislation that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and standards for youth employment. The Act applies to those in private sectors, federal governments, state governments, and local governments. If you are a covered nonexempt worker and an employer does not provide you with fair wages or record your hours appropriately, you may be entitled to compensation.

Why Choose This Firm

There is an enormous emotional toll on the victims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. It is important to have an attorney on your side that will handle your case with the care it deserves. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. has handled cases involving every class protected by law and knows how to support its clients in their time of need.

Your goal is our goal. The desired outcomes in employment cases vary greatly. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some cases require aggressive litigation to achieve the desired outcome. However, many other cases can be resolved with strategic and careful negotiations with the employer. At times, this advice is needed while the individual is still employed. Expensive and risky litigation can oftentimes be avoided if employment counsel is there to help you navigate the situation, including claims that are enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and the Florida Commission on Human Resources (“FCHR”).

The Montone Law Firm, P.A. has years of experience representing people in their most sensitive and vulnerable situations at work. An employment attorney can help you understand your legal rights and what your options may be. It is essential to make strategic decisions when dealing with your employment rights. Please reach out with any questions—The Montone Law Firm, P.A. is here for you in your time of need.
Practice Areas
P

Race/Color Discrimination

RACE/COLOR DISCRIMINATION

Job discrimination based on race or color is illegal in the United States. Employers cannot treat employees less favorably because of their race or color. This includes hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or conditions of employment. Each and every race is protected by this law. Reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A. today to see if your rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act have been violated.

P

Harassment

HARASSMENT

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age, disability, or genetic information (including family medical history). Harassment cases are typically very complex and emotional. If the conduct is severe or pervasive to the point that a reasonable person feels intimidation, hostility, or abuse, then there may be a legal claim. Sexual harassment is common, but the law safeguards every protected class from harassment.
Not all petty conduct is considered harassment under the law. However, some examples include but are not limited to offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, name calling, physical assaults or threats, as well as offensive imagery. Reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A. if you are currently being harassed at work or were already terminated after being harassed.

P

Retaliation

RETALIATION

Retaliation is one of the most common employment claims, but it is often confused with the everyday meaning of the word “retaliation.” Under the law, an employer cannot retaliate against an employee for engaging in “protected activity.” Examples of protected activity are various and could be things such as filing or being a witness in an EEO Charge, complaint, or investigation, communicating with a supervisor or manager about employment discrimination, including harassment, answering questions during an employer investigation of alleged harassment, refusing to follow work orders that would result in discrimination, resisting sexual advances or intervening to protect others, or requesting disability or religious accommodation.
Additionally, employees have a right to seek and/or enjoy their rights and benefits under other statutes such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), and Florida’s worker’s compensation laws without being retaliated against.
Retaliation does not always mean termination. Some other examples of retaliation include an unwanted job transfer, demotion, reduction in pay or benefits, or even increased scrutiny.

P

FMLA

FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees are entitled to:

Twelve workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for:

  • The birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth
  • The placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement
  • To care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition
  • A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job
  • Any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty”
P

Disability Discrimination

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

The Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”) prohibits employers from treating applicants and employees unfavorably because of a disability or because the applicant or employee is believed to have a disability. The Act also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations of qualified individuals unless it causes undue hardship. The Act also prevents employers from treating employees unfairly because of their relationship to a person with a disability. Disability discrimination and accommodation requests are complex situations. If you are unsure about your case, reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A. today.

P

Age Discrimination

AGE DISCRIMINATION

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) prohibits employers from discriminating against people that are age 40 or older. The ADEA does not protect individuals under the age of 40, however, Florida law does provide protection for younger workers. Harassing an employee because of their age is illegal. Also, employers cannot give preference to younger employees in hiring, firing, payment, job promotion, or job assignments. They also cannot assign job tasks solely based on age. Examples of age discrimination are many. Unsure about your case? Reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A.

P

Sexual Harassment

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is part of Title VII’s prohibition on gender or sex-based discrimination. Sexual harassment is unwanted physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature. This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical harassment with a sexual tone. Harassment is illegal if it is severe or pervasive to the point where it creates a hostile work environment or results in an adverse employment action such as the employee being terminated.
Notably, harassers are not just supervisors or managers. They can be co-workers or even an individual that is not employed by your employer. Sexual harassment is one of the most emotional forms of discrimination and can be life changing. These cases require a seasoned attorney that has seen many of these sensitive situations and knows how to handle them with care.

P

Gender Discrimination

GENDER DISCRIMINATION

Title VII prohibits employers from treating an employee differently, or unfavorably, based on gender or sex. This protection includes sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy as part of the protected class. The victim and the harasser can be any sex and may be the same sex or a different sex.

P

Pregnancy Discrimination

PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION

Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (“PDA”), it is illegal for employers to treat an applicant or employee unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Accommodations for pregnant women may also be required under certain circumstances. No special treatment is required of pregnancy accommodation requests, however an employer must treat pregnant women who cannot perform their job due to a medical condition the same way it would treat other temporarily disabled employees.
Often times, women discover changes to their job duties or schedule once they notify their employer of their pregnancy. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. has seen many of these cases. If you have questions or are being treated less favorably because of your pregnancy, call The Montone Law Firm, P.A. today.

P

Executives/Professionals

EXECUTIVES/PROFESSIONALS

Executive level individualsand professionals (doctors, accountants, CPAs, pharmacists, etc.) can face unique circumstances when wrongfully terminated. They have often provided years of service to their employer and have important benefits at stake. There can also be a heightened level of concern regarding their professional reputation. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. knows how difficult these situations can be and has the experience to help negotiate the terms of your employment, compensation, and benefits if faced with a wrongful termination.

P

Whistleblowers

WHISTLEBLOWERS

The Florida Private Whistleblower Act (“FPWA”) protects employees of covered employers from any retaliatory conduct because the employee has disclosed, or threatened to disclose, to any appropriate governmental agency, under oath, in writing, an activity, policy, or practice of the employer that is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. The statute also protects an employee that has provided information to, or testified before, any appropriate governmental agency, person, or entity conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into an alleged violation of a law, rule, or regulation by the employer. The statute also protects an employee that has objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity, policy, or practice of the employer which is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation.

P

Sexual Orientation Discrimination

SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCRIMINATION

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act makes it illegal to fire individuals because of their sexual orientation or transgender status. This is based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act’s prohibition on discrimination because of sex. It is also illegal to subject an employee to workplace harassment that creates a hostile work environment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

P

Religious Discrimination

RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION

Title VII prohibits employers from treating an employee differently, or unfavorably, because of religious beliefs. The law protects organized religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, and Buddhism. It also protects others with sincerely held religious beliefs. It is also illegal to harass an employee because of his or her religion.

P

National Origin Discrimination

NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION

According to federal law, it is illegal for employers to harass or discriminate against an employee because of their country of origin, accent, ethnic background, or perceived ethnic background. This also includes treating an employee unfavorably because they are married to or associated with someone of a particular national origin. If you are unsure about your case, reach out to The Montone Law Firm, P.A.

P

FLSA

FLSA

The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) is legislation that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and standards for youth employment. The Act applies to those in private sectors, federal governments, state governments, and local governments. If you are a covered nonexempt worker and an employer does not provide you with fair wages or record your hours appropriately, you may be entitled to compensation.

Why Choose This Firm

There is an enormous emotional toll on the victims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. It is important to have an attorney on your side that will handle your case with the care it deserves. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. has handled cases involving every class protected by law and knows how to support its clients in their time of need.

Your goal is our goal. The desired outcomes in employment cases vary greatly. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some cases require aggressive litigation to achieve the desired outcome. However, many other cases can be resolved with strategic and careful negotiations with the employer. At times, this advice is needed while the individual is still employed. Expensive and risky litigation can oftentimes be avoided if employment counsel is there to help you navigate the situation, including claims that are enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and the Florida Commission on Human Resources (“FCHR”).

Why Choose This Firm

There is an enormous emotional toll on the victims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. It is important to have an attorney on your side that will handle your case with the care it deserves. The Montone Law Firm, P.A. has handled cases involving every class protected by law and knows how to support its clients in their time of need.

Your goal is our goal. The desired outcomes in employment cases vary greatly. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some cases require aggressive litigation to achieve the desired outcome. However, many other cases can be resolved with strategic and careful negotiations with the employer. At times, this advice is needed while the individual is still employed. Expensive and risky litigation can oftentimes be avoided if employment counsel is there to help you navigate the situation, including claims that are enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and the Florida Commission on Human Resources (“FCHR”).

Reviews

“Louis was very sensitive about my case. When I had any questions or concerns Louis contacted myself immediately. He takes time to listen to you and address your concerns. Very thorough and tedious. Resolved my case in a very timely manner! If I ever need to use Louis again I’ll definitely call on him again. Couldn’t ask for anyone else better than Mr. Montone!!”
Richard

“Louis was a fantastic attorney to have love his friendly energy. But best of all he explains things very simple he makes sure to have you as the client feel comfortable and confident at all times follow up is great with emails and phone calls I always felt in the loop of my case. Great choice for representing Myself Im is Happy I chose Louis”
Anonymous

“I was referred to Lou by another lawyer. The office staff was extremely nice. It was very easy to get an appointment with him that same week. He was on time and prepared based on my email to him. We met for an hr and felt reassured I made the right decision in relation to my case!”
Ivette

“Attorney Montone was a HUGE help to my understanding of my severance document. He didn’t pressure me into retaining him but rather explained the the pros and cons of signing my severance packet. After reviewing my paperwork, he found employment laws and verbiage errors that assisted in making my decision to file or not file a claim. I strongly recommend Attorney Louis Montone for any employment issues. His knowledge of employee rights is assuring and understanding to make you feel comfortable of your options.”
Angela

“My consultation meeting with Mr. Montone immediately put my mind at rest as I knew he would be the perfect discrimination employment lawyer for my case. Lou was prompt, courteous, professional, and respectful to every aspect of my case and I felt like his passion for the case was coming from someone that experienced the issue as if he were in my shoes. The case went swift and everything that I wanted included through the case Lou was there to provide assistance and guidance. Thank you.”
Bray

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