Employment Law

Serving Employees in the El Paso Area

Employment Law in New Mexico is a combination of state and federal laws and regulations issued by several agencies at all levels of government. Needless to say, it’s complicated.

It is important that you have an experienced employment law attorney who understands all of the rules and regulations and how they apply to a variety of employment situations. The attorneys at Cervantes Scherr Legate PLLC have decades of experience protecting employees against unscrupulous employers, wrongful termination, employment discrimination, and illegal employment practices.

Employment Laws Also Apply To Wage And Hour Violations

Federal and state laws govern wage and hour standards. Employers must follow minimum wage, overtime and other wage-protection laws. New Mexico state law and federal law both mandate the same minimum wage levels.

Workplace Safety Laws Protect Employees

Here also, both federal and state laws protect workers and require employers to provide a safe working environment. Employers must provide safe and healthy working conditions and provide employees with proper safety equipment and training to do their jobs safely. Employees have the right to request OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) inspections if they believe that the employer is violating safety regulations.

Additionally, most employers in New Mexico must carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation and other minimum benefits if you are injured on-the-job. To reiterate an earlier point, employees are protected from employer retaliation when those employees apply for workers’ compensation benefits.

Other laws and regulations govern paid leave, vacation time, sick days and holidays, paid time off. Employers may be required to provide unpaid time off for Family and Medical leave for caregiving and childbirth while continuing health benefits; military leave for training or service duty; jury duty and voting; terminating employees and unemployment benefits.