Broward County Employment Law Blog

South Florida has more than its share of beautiful people and beautiful locations for fashion photo shoots. For these and many other reasons, our state has a strong connection to the modeling industry.

But few people outside the industry realize that being a model is not nearly as glamorous as the finished product that we see in magazines. In fact, modeling is very often a cut-throat business where young women and men (including minors) are subjected to sexual harassment, wage law violations, unreasonable employer demands and a host of other employment-law-related issues.

South Florida residents are currently facing plenty of work-related challenges. For example, last week we mentioned that Florida's long-term unemployment numbers are ranked the highest in the nation.

But there is still more to be concerned about. While it may be hard to believe, it seems that reports of discrimination in the workplace are multiplying. According to data recently released by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the number of employment discrimination charges filed in 2011 reached record numbers. Topping the list were complaints related to retaliation.

Because of the economic recession of the last several years, times are tough everywhere. But the situation seems especially dire here in Florida. According to a recent analysis of U.S. Census data, Florida has the highest rate in the nation of long-term unemployment.

About 53 percent of residents who were unemployed last year were jobless for more than six months. In light of this staggering statistic, it is especially important for those of us who are employed to hold onto the jobs we have. This includes fighting for your rights if you have been a victim of wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment or some other illegal activity that has made it impossible to remain at your current job through no fault of your own.

Diversification of the workforce is a priority in many industries in South Florida and elsewhere. Companies both large and small have increasingly sought to hire employees with varied backgrounds, experiences and worldviews.

It is thought that diversity in employee population bring diversity of thought, expansion of knowledge and greater depth in the workplace experience. However, diversity in the workforce also seems to be contributing to a record high in the number of workplace discrimination claims being filed in the United States.