Lexington, Ky. — Employees in Lexington are being empowered to understand their rights in the workplace through a recent workshop hosted by the Lexington Human Rights Commission. The event, held at the Lexington Public Library, aimed to educate participants about their entitlements, including safe working conditions, anti-discrimination laws, and proper pay.
Raymond Sexton, the executive director for the Lexington Human Rights Commission, led the workshop, noting the complexities employees face when navigating their rights. “There’s just so many laws to navigate, so many organizations and I feel bad sometimes when we can’t help people,” he stated.
The workshop facilitated discussions about accommodations for disabilities, identifying workplace stigma, and fostering better communication between employers and employees. Brandalin Foster, an advocate from Opportunity for Work and Learning, emphasized the importance of understanding what accommodations could look like, stating, “What stigma can we squash or really what is the best fit for an employer and employee both.”
Organizations like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) play a pivotal role in safeguarding employee rights. The EEOC enforces several significant laws, including the Age Discrimination Employment Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. New coverage now extends to independent contractors, private membership clubs, Native American tribes, and public international organizations.
“We’re here to help the workers, we’re here to help the employers as well,” Sexton reiterated, underlining the resources available to both parties. “I think that’s a big takeaway: there’s a lot of expertise in these organizations, and people shouldn’t hesitate to contact us if things go wrong.”
As the Lexington community continues to engage in these informative sessions, awareness around workplace rights is expected to grow, fostering safer and more equitable working environments for all.
