Did you know that employees constantly need to fight for their rights in the workplace? While many companies do their best to follow the rules, sometimes they don’t have your best interest in mind.
That is why it is important to know your rights and speak up when you and your coworkers aren’t getting the treatment you deserve by law.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most important aspects of labor laws, so that you can make sure that your employers are in compliance with the law!
Keep reading for more information!
Wages, Hours, and Safe Working Conditions
It’s really important to know your labor and employment laws as an employee, because even with the best employers there may be discrepancies in terms of compliance.
That’s why knowing the laws is important, so you know your rights as an employee and ensure they are being followed. From minimum wage requirements to safety standards, having a grasp of labor laws can make sure that you are
This is all guaranteed under federal, state, and local law. Familiarizing yourself with these laws can help create a better understanding between employer-employee. After all, it’s up to each of us to look out for our own best interests in the workplace.
Breaks and Meals
When it comes to labor laws, every employee should know their rights, such as the right to rest and meal breaks. Depending on where you live and your occupation, there may be different rules in place regarding the length of time allowed for breaks and meal periods.
For example, some states require a 30-minute lunch break if an employee works more than five hours in one day. If you are in LA, California lunch break laws state that you should have 30 min for every five hours. However, other states have restrictions on how many consecutive hours an employee can work without taking a 10-minute break.
It’s important to abide by these labor laws so that employers are compliant with local regulations and employees are getting the proper rest they need throughout the day.
Discrimination and Harassment
Every employee should know their rights when it comes to labor law. For starters, discrimination of any kind is absolutely prohibited – whether someone is being treated unfairly due to:
Similarly, harassment of any kind – including sexual harassment – is also strictly forbidden.
Employers are obligated to prevent these scenarios from happening in the workplace, and create a safe environment for everyone working there. If anyone feels they’ve been wrongfully targeted or treated unlawfully, it’s important to educate yourself about your rights as an employed person.
Right to Join Unions
Labor laws are essential for protecting the rights of employees, and everyone should understand the basics. For instance, did you know that all employees have the right to join or form unions if they want to?
Employers cannot withhold any benefits or punishment in relation to a worker’s decision to unionize. That said, it’s important that workers fully understand their union rights and how joining a union might affect their job before taking that step.
However, that doesn’t stop companies from trying to undercut this law. In 2014, one of the largest franchises circulated pro-union employees throughout their organization to undermine the bill to enact a $15 minimum wage for all employees.
Knowing your labor rights is an important part of being a knowledgeable employee, so take some time to read up on the relevant labor laws and make sure you’re making an informed decision!
Accurate Paperwork
Having a good understanding of your rights as an employee is key to having a healthy, successful work life. This starts with knowing your labor laws, including accurate paperwork.
Your payslip should accurately detail any and all, of the following:
This can easily help you keep track of your compensation, ensuring it corresponds accordingly with the hours you’ve worked. Additionally, labor laws include discussion of paid leave options such as:
Minimum Wage and Sick Leave
Knowing your state’s labor laws is an essential safeguard for employees. In some states, there are additional laws that go beyond the basics of minimum wage and sick leave rights. Keeping up to date with the latest minimum wage rates and any changes to the requirements for sick leave entitlements will make sure you get the protections you deserve from your employers.
Labor laws are in place to protect all workers, so familiarizing yourself with these guidelines is not just a great idea, but also a necessity.
Workers’ Compensation Laws
Every employee should be aware of their workplace’s labor laws, particularly those involving workers’ compensation. If something happens on the job and you get hurt or contract a work-related illness, it’s important to know that you are covered!
Employers are obligated to take out insurance so that you’ve got access to the benefits and resources necessary for your recovery or financial coverage. Knowing about the existence of these laws can help ensure that you receive the care and attention you deserve in such circumstances.
Know Your Rights
It’s important for every employee to understand labor laws and their rights as employed persons. From being aware of:
Labor laws provide essential safeguards in ensuring that employees are given a safe working environment with fair wages and treatment. As such, it is critical for employers and employees alike to be familiar with labor laws so that everyone can benefit from these legal protections.
Knowing your labor rights will help protect you against discrimination or harassment in the workplace while also providing access to any necessary resources should something go wrong on the job.
