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.

While these kinds of workplace incidents are almost always illegal and wrong, it is even more important to pursue legal justice in this economic climate. When the economy was strong, some victims chose to simply find another job rather than pursue legal action.

However, with some 913,000 Floridians currently out of work, this is hardly a practical option. In fact, some employment professionals in Florida estimate that there are four times as many job seekers as there are job openings.

From a moral standpoint, victims of employment discrimination or injustice should always pursue legal action in order to hold their employers accountable. However, it is understandable that some victims are unable or unwilling to take on such a legal battle, especially when they have other employment options.

But with Florida's employment picture looking so bleak, we may be seeing more Florida workers standing up for their rights and fighting for the jobs that they deserve to keep.

Source: CNN Money, "Worst place to lose your job: Florida," Tami Luhby, Jan. 31, 2012