Being employed is not just about doing all the tasks your managers asked you to do. As an employee, you have your rights — and it is your responsibility to know those rights and protect yourself when stuck in workplace conflict. According to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), more than 180 federal laws are implemented to protect workers’ rights and regulate ’ relationship employee and employers’ relationship.
Employment Laws in the U.S.
Here are some of the examples of U.S. employment laws that you should know:
Civil Rights Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 enacted equal employment opportunity in the United States. It states that any form of discrimination against an employee is prohibited.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Also known as EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces laws, like the Civil Rights Act, that assure no employees, regardless of age, gender, disability, religion, race, etc., are being discriminated against in the workplace. They protect employees from any form of discrimination, like mistreatment, harassment, retaliation, or any situation where the employee gets unfair treatment.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA protects the rights of all employees and job applicants that have disabilities. It states that any form of discrimination against them is not allowed. Disabled employees and applicants are also entitled to “reasonable accommodations” once hired.
Fair Labor Standards Act
FLSA regulates the minimum wage, overtime pay, as well as child labor policies. All employees from the private and public sector are covered by this act. Since July of 2009, the minimum wage in the Unites States is $7.25 per hour, while overtime pay per hour should not be less than one and a half times more than their pay rate.
Family and Medical Leave Act
FMLA, on the other hand, states that all employees are entitled to a total of 12 weeks unpaid leave every year. During these times, the employer must maintain the worker’s health benefits.
Federal Employees’ Compensation Act
FECA gives rights for compensation to all federal employees who have obtained injuries or diseases while they are on the job. The compensation include medical care payment, wage replacement, and rehabilitation assistance.
Hire an Employment Lawyer
Employment law is the area of expertise of employment lawyers. They spent years of experience studying the ins and outs of the U.S. labour laws and helping employees when it comes to legal matters involving unjust conflicts in the workplace.
Your employment lawyer can help you by providing necessary legal advice on how the situation should be handled. With their knowledge of legal policies involving employment, they can help you decide how you should proceed with your claim. Your lawyer can advise you to first conduct a negotiation with your employer before you take the case in court. In case that both parties cannot agree on a settlement, your lawyer can represent you in court during hearings. They can ensure that you win your case and receive appropriate compensation from your employer.
If you are experiencing mistreatment or discrimination in the workplace, from employers or coworkers, consult an employment lawyer. If you are from the area, find the best wrongful termination lawyers in kansas city mo has to offer. Most law firms offer free consultations. Take that opportunity and talk to an employment lawyer as soon as possible.