Here’s what to do and how to tell if your boss is breaking the law

Being honest, most of us try to stay out of trouble at work and do what we’re told.  We only want to make a living and be treated well while we do it. But what do you do when something seems wrong at work? Maybe your paycheck is short, or your manager keeps “forgetting” your break. Maybe a coworker said something inappropriate, and your boss laughed it off.

I’ve been there, and I’ve heard enough stories to know this: not all bad behavior at work is just “bad” — some of it is downright illegal.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can they even do that?” This post is for you.If you think your supervisor might be breaking the law, the first thing you should do is learn about your rights.  If you’re in California, this wrongful termination guidance is extremely beneficial. But the advice there applies to a number of typical workplace problems in the U.S.

Let’s boil it down into simple terms.

What Are Labor Laws Anyway?

Laws about work protect people from being abused, mistreated, stressed, or paid too little. They cover things like:

• How much you should get paid
• When and how you take breaks
• Protection from being harassed or treated badly
• What to expect if you lose your job or get fired
• Rules for being safe at work
• Your right to speak up without getting punished for it

Most people assume their job follows the law, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes employers do illegal things by accident. Other times, they do it on purpose and hope no one notices.

Signs Your Boss Might Be Breaking the Law

Here’s a list of red flags that could mean something illegal is happening where you work:

1. They don’t pay you for all your hours – If you’re staying late or working through lunch and not getting paid, that’s a wage violation.
2. You get paid in cash –  It may seem easier to pay in cash, but it usually means your company isn’t paying taxes and you’re missing out on benefits like unemployment or workers’ comp.
3. You’re not getting paid for overtime. If you work more than 40 hours a week and don’t get paid time and a half, even though you’re not technically “exempt,” that’s a problem.
4. Harassment and unfair treatment are not dealt with by them. If you’ve been harassed or treated unfairly because of your color, gender, religion, disability, age, or anything else that the law protects, and nothing was done, it’s against the law.
5. You don’t get breaks – Most states require lunch or rest breaks, especially during long shifts. Skipping them regularly may be illegal.
6. You were fired for speaking up – Reporting unsafe work conditions, wage issues, or harassment is protected. Firing you afterward could be retaliation — which is illegal.
7. You’re being asked to do something unsafe or illegal – Whether it’s cutting corners on safety or falsifying records, you’re never required to break the law to keep your job.
8. They misclassify you as a contractor – If you’re doing full-time work like an employee but your boss calls you a “freelancer” to avoid taxes and benefits, that’s illegal misclassification.
9. You’re not allowed to talk about pay – You have a legal right to discuss wages with coworkers. If they say you can’t, that’s a violation.
10. They make threats if you speak up – Telling you to “keep quiet if you want to keep your job” is a major red flag.

Just one of these signs might not confirm anything illegal. But if a few apply to your job, it’s time to pay closer attention.

What You Can Do About It

I know it’s scary to stand up for yourself at work — especially if you need that paycheck. But here’s the thing: you have more power than you think. You have rights, and there are people and systems that exist to protect you.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Keep records – Write down everything. Dates, times, what was said, who was there. Save emails, pay stubs, schedules — anything that could help tell your side of the story.
• Don’t confront your boss immediately – Especially if you’re unsure. Sometimes it’s better to gather info first.
• Talk to coworkers you trust – You’re probably not the only one dealing with it. If more people speak up, it gets harder to ignore.
• Contact your state labor board – Every state has one, and many let you file complaints anonymously.
• Talk to a lawyer – A quick consultation can go a long way. You don’t need to hire one immediately, but it helps to know what your case is worth.
• File a complaint with the EEOC – If your issue involves discrimination or harassment, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is where you go.
• Don’t sign anything in a rush – If your boss suddenly wants you to sign something after you speak up, pause. Get legal advice before you put your name on it.

You don’t have to sue anyone right away. Sometimes just knowing your rights — and showing your boss that you do — can change how you’re treated.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Respect, Not Fear

Look, no workplace is perfect. But there’s a big difference between having a bad day and having your rights violated.

You don’t deserve to feel scared at work. You shouldn’t have to choose between being safe and being employed. And if your boss is breaking labor laws, they’re not just hurting you — they’re hurting everyone around you too.

Standing up doesn’t make you “difficult.” It makes you brave.

So if something feels wrong at work, pay attention. Ask questions. Take notes. Get support.

Because the law isn’t just for lawyers — it’s for people like you and me.