Downsizing, also known as workplace reduction, occurs when an employer enacts a mass termination of its employees in order to reduce costs. Although this typically means employees are terminated permanently, sometimes hours are reduced and tasks rearranged, with the goal of saving the business or making it more effective. While downsizing is well within any company’s legal rights, it must be done properly. Sometimes if a company fails to follow protocol during downsizing, contacting a Houston employee downsizing lawyer is a good idea.

In most states, employees are hired on an “at-will” basis. This means that companies can fire you, or you can quit, without cause. However, companies have a legal responsibility to abide by certain state and federal laws during downsizing.  For example, under no circumstance may downsizing be conducted based on race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion or in any other discriminatory way. Another law is that if a company has over 100 employees, they must notify their employees of the layoff a certain number of days in advance (usually 60 days). And, of course, all employees must be paid wages owed to them for hours already worked. Failure to follow any one of these rules could result in a lawsuit, and employees should contact Houston employee downsizing lawyers in order to hold their employers accountable.

Employees can file a claim for the recovery of lost wages and, in some cases, reinstatement at work.  Contact our employment lawyers at Law Offices of David C. Holmes for your free consultation today. Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys can protect your rights and provide you with sound representation.