State Employees

North Carolina state employees have additional employment protections specific to their roles as civil servants. At Patterson Harkavy, we understand the special procedures in place to safeguard state employees’ rights, and have represented North Carolina government workers for decades, protecting them from workplace discrimination and wrongful termination.

Contact our Chapel Hill office at (919) 942-5200 or call toll-free at (800) 458-2541 to get help for yourself or your employee association.

Representing North Carolina’s Government Employees

The North Carolina Human Resources Act (Personnel Act) provides a number of important protections for state and some local government employees, as well as a grievance process to allow for prompt resolution of any grievances arising out of employment. Grievances must be filed within 15 calendar days of the alleged event or action on which the grievance is based.

State and local government employees who are covered by the Human Resources Act cannot be terminated or disciplined without “just cause.” Employees who believe they have been disciplined or discharged without cause can file a grievance. Final agency decisions resulting from the grievance process can be appealed to the Office of Administrative Hearings and heard before an Administrative Law Judge.

Any employee grievance or complaint that alleges unlawful discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation is first addressed through the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Informal Inquiry process before going through the formal grievance process. However, an employee has the right to also file a charge directly with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for claims of workplace discrimination.

Patterson Harkavy’s labor lawyers have experience advocating on behalf of state employees in administrative agencies and before the OAH’s administrative law judges. We can help state employees protect themselves against workplace discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

Make an Impact: Protect Your Rights

If you are a state employee facing employment issues at a North Carolina government office, you may have the right to file a grievance and challenge your employer’s decision at the Office of Administrative Hearings. Patterson Harkavy’s attorneys have a proven track record of representing state employees across North Carolina. If you have a employment law complaint and are a state employee, call Patterson Harkavy at 1-800-458-2541 or contact us online today.