Oklahoma Employment Law — We’ve Got Your Back At Work

Most people don’t speak up when things go sideways at work. Why? Because speaking out could mean losing your job, which also means losing your paycheck and the health insurance your family depends on. So instead, you grit your teeth and try to deal. You let things slide. You stay quiet. All while frustration bubbles up inside of you.

But here’s the truth: You shouldn’t have to choose between keeping your job and standing up for yourself. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, period.

That’s where Punchwork Law comes in. Our Oklahoma employment law firm represents employees who’ve been treated poorly in the workplace. If something about your job feels unfair, illegal, or just plain wrong, we’re here to listen, help you make sense of it, and take action.

And your first consultation? It’s free. Always. Contact us today and let’s talk.

Key Takeaways

  • A good Oklahoma employment attorney can help you resolve complex work issues like illegal discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, occupational safety, and wrongful discharge.
  • State and federal courts share many labor and employment laws, but just like other states, Oklahoma has its own nuances. That’s why having a local Oklahoma employment lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights.
  • Whether you work at a factory, a fast food joint, a hospital, or a tech company, we’ve seen it all, and we’re not scared of anyone.

Understanding Employment Law in Oklahoma

While federal law lays the groundwork for things like discrimination and wage protections, Oklahoma employment law brings its own set of rules (and surprises).

For starters, Oklahoma is an at-will employment state. That means your boss can fire you for almost any reason — or no reason at all — unless it breaks the law. 

There are exceptions, however. If you were fired because of your race, religion, gender, disability, age, or simply because you stood up to something shady, you are legally protected.

And then there’s the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act (OADA). This legislation covers some smaller employers that federal laws don’t. So even if you work at a small business, you may still be covered.

Wage claims work a little differently here, too. If your boss shorted you on overtime or withheld your final paycheck, Oklahoma law gives you a way to fight back, and fast.

Translation: You have more rights than you think. But unless you’re a lawyer (or seriously into reading legal codes for fun), the details can be tough to spot.

At Punchwork Law, we stay on top of all the state-specific rules, deadlines, and fine print so you don’t have to. Whether you’re in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Norman, or somewhere in between, we’re here to help you make sense of your employment law case. 

Standing Up To Workplace Discrimination

No one should be treated differently at work just because of who they are. Unfortunately, workplace discrimination still happens to many Oklahomans. Maybe your boss won’t promote you because of your age. Perhaps you’re being paid less than others because of your gender, or a manager keeps making offensive comments about your race or religion.

It’s not just unethical; it’s illegal under both federal and Oklahoma law. And our team has zero tolerance for that kind of behavior, or for others violating your rights.

Struggling with any of these situations? Reach out to an Oklahoma Discrimination Lawyer today.

Putting an End to Harassment and Hostile Work Environments

Have you ever been the punch line to a joke that wasn’t really a joke? Or received creepy comments from a supervisor? What about that one co-worker who just won’t leave you alone?

Harassment can take many forms, but one thing’s for sure: You shouldn’t have to put up with it just to keep a paycheck. 

Whether it’s sexual harassment or harassment based on who you are, we’re here to help you put a stop to it.

Helping Employees Fight Wrongful Termination

Getting fired can be devastating, especially if it comes out of nowhere or the reasons given just don’t add up. The tricky part? Oklahoma is an “at-will” employment state, so “illegal reasons” can be hard to identify, which begs the question: What counts as wrongful termination?

It’s basically being fired in a way that violates the law or your employment rights. Let’s say you got sacked right after telling HR you were being harassed. Or maybe you were let go because you became pregnant or developed some other medical condition. According to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), this is not okay!

Perhaps you refused to break the law (like fudging safety reports or committing fraud) and — next thing you know — you’re out of a job. If the reason for your firing was:

  • Discriminatory (related to your protected characteristics, like race or national origin)
  • Retaliatory (punishing you for asserting your rights or reporting wrongdoing)

Then it’s wrongful. Even if you’re told, “We just don’t need your position anymore,” the timing or pattern might tell a different story. Contact one of our Oklahoma Wrongful Termination attorneys for justice.

Protecting Workers from Retaliation

Ever feel like you’re being punished at work for speaking up or doing the right thing? Maybe you reported sexual harassment and are now left out of meetings. Or perhaps you filed an OSHA safety complaint, and soon after, you’re given the worst shifts.

That’s called retaliation, and it’s flat-out illegal. Retaliation isn’t just getting fired (though that’s a big one). It could also be:

  • Cutting your pay or hours
  • Getting passed over for a promotion you earned
  • Being transferred to a “dead-end” role
  • Getting micro-managed or harassed by your boss (or even human resources professionals)
  • Receiving threats or intimidation
  • Losing access to necessary work tools or software
  • Coworkers being encouraged to freeze you out or treat you poorly

Retaliation isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s more subtle. But if it started after you filed a complaint, reported something illegal, or stood up for yourself, it’s worth looking into. And we know just how to help.

Wage and Overtime Disputes

You work hard for every dollar, and you deserve to be paid fairly. Unfortunately, not all employers play by the rules. Maybe your boss expects you to work through lunch. Perhaps you’ve been pulling 50-hour weeks and never received overtime pay. Or you discovered your paycheck has weird deductions that you never agreed to.

If any of this sounds familiar, you might be facing a wage and hour dispute. Good news: Our Oklahoma employment attorneys know how to handle these cases and get workers the money they’re owed.

EEOC Claims

Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is often the first step if you’ve experienced discrimination or retaliation at work. But let’s be real: Dealing with employment law issues is not exactly easy.

There are strict deadlines (usually 180 days from the incident), paperwork, interviews, and sometimes even mediation. Once the EEOC investigates, it might issue a “Right to Sue” letter, which is your green light to take legal action.

Sound overwhelming? Our team of labor and employment attorneys helps you through the whole process. 

Get in touch with an Oklahoma EEOC Lawyer to get the justice you deserve.

Choosing the Right Oklahoma Employment Lawyer

We at Punchwork Law aren’t the stuffy corporate types. Our attorneys are more like a trusted friend who just so happens to know the law backwards and forwards. We grew up around hard work and plain talk, and it shows. Here’s what makes us different:

Down-to-Earth Approach: We skip the legal jargon and talk to you one-on-one in clear terms. 

Working-Class Values: Honesty, loyalty, and standing up for the little guy? That’s in our DNA. If a big-shot company or boss is pushing you around, you better believe we’re ready to push back.

Fierce Advocacy: Big corporations and bullies don’t scare us. From day one, we’ll challenge those in power who’ve mistreated you.

Relatable and Real: You’ll feel heard and taken care of. Our lawyers feel like the kind of friends who will go to bat for you without hesitation.

The Punchwork Process

You don’t need a smoking gun or a mountain of evidence just to call us. If something feels off at work, it’s worth a conversation. We’ll listen, ask a few questions, and tell you what we honestly think.

Here’s how it works:

  1. You reach out. Call, text, or fill out our form. Whatever’s easiest.
  2. We listen. We’ll hear your story, ask a few questions, and break things down in simple terms.
  3. We advise. If you’ve got a case, we’ll walk you through your options and help you choose what’s best for you.
  4. You decide. Ever wish you could just get honest, no BS advice from real lawyers? Well, that’s who we are, and that’s what we do. 

Let’s Get You the Help You Deserve

Work is hard enough without getting pushed around. If your job has turned into a legal nightmare — or your gut just knows something isn’t right — don’t wait.

Reach out to Punchwork Law today and find out what your rights really are. We’ll treat you like a person, not a paycheck. And if we can help? You better believe we will. Contact us today to learn more about our Employment Law services. 

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Practice Areas

Your problem is unique, but it fits in a category of the law. This is the only time you will be put in a box, promise.

FAQs

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers.

Employment law can be a lot. Here are some straight-to-the-point answers to questions many people have:

  • What does employment law in Oklahoma cover?

    Oklahoma employment law addresses issues like age discrimination and other types of employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and unpaid wages. It ensures that employers adhere to fair practices and that employees are protected under both state and federal regulations.​

  • Will the EEOC sue on my behalf?

    Rarely. The EEOC typically investigates complaints and may issue a “Right to Sue” letter, allowing you to pursue legal action independently. In exceptional cases, they might file a lawsuit on your behalf, but that’s uncommon.​

  • What is a Right to Sue letter in Oklahoma?

    A Right to Sue letter is a document issued by the EEOC or the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office after investigating a discrimination complaint. It grants you the legal right to file a lawsuit against your employer in court.

  • Can you sue for discrimination in Oklahoma?

    Yes. To do so, you must first file a complaint with the EEOC or the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. After receiving a Right to Sue letter, you can proceed with a lawsuit.​

  • What protections exist against retaliation in Oklahoma?

    Oklahoma law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file “good faith” complaints or participate in investigations related to workplace discrimination or harassment. Retaliation can include demotion, termination, or other adverse actions.​

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