Employment Law

What Are Employment Laws? How Do They Help You?

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12 October, 2023

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Employment laws are an important part of the civil law framework of the land. They govern the relationship between employers and employees. 

These are the laws that govern the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of both parties. They also lay down rules that will guide the process of resolution of disputes within the employment relationship. If you want to know more about employment laws like “how do equal employment opportunity laws protect job applicants?”, read on!

What Are The Civil Aspects That Employment Laws Govern?

Employment laws don’t just protect your civil rights as a citizen of the United States. They also protect your rights as an employee. 

Let us look into some of the common civil law aspects that employment laws govern. 

Contracts And Employment Regulations

If you are an employee, contracts are a very important part of your professional life. It is these laws that govern the following:

  • Terms and conditions of any working relationship that you have.
  • Your duties in the job.
  • The compensation you receive.
  • The benefits and working hours that you will be subjected to.

And all other obligations that you need to fulfill as an employee or as an employer. 

Discrimination And Equal Treatment

Civil and Employment laws see to it that all civilians of the United States do not face any sort of discrimination based on their race, age, disability, religion, gender, or national origin in places of employment 

Your Working Hours And Compensation

These are the laws that establish the minimum number of hours you will need to be working every week, month, or year. They also ensure that you, as an employee, are getting paid accordingly for the work that you do. These laws deal with the harassment faced by employees regarding working hours and wages. 

Safe Working Conditions

Employment laws guarantee that the conditions you work in our safe and healthy. They mandate workplace safety training and adherence to safety regulations. They also address any hazardous conditions when they arise. 

Your Privacy Rights In Place Of Employment

Employment regulations are part of civil law that guarantees all employees privacy within the workplace. Whistleblowers are also protected by these laws.

Termination Of Services

These are the laws that can govern the dismissal severance and notice periods of employees. If any employee is illegally dismissed without proper reason, they can claim relief under these laws. 

They Address Breach Of Contract

When parties enter into a contract, they are expected to uphold their part of the obligations. However, if that is not possible, employment laws can help either party claim compensation or specific performance as a part of relief.

They Give Power To Employee Unions

These are laws that give unions and organizations the power to function. It gives all employees the right to organize and engage in collective actions against harassment. 

On top of everything, employment laws establish the liability of all employers when it comes to harassment, discrimination, or unfair practices in the workplace. These address issues like disputes. They also lay down rules regarding mediation, arbitration, or if matters get out of hand, litigation. 

Overall, employment laws are designed to help prevent conflict and establish a healthy workplace.

What Are The Top Federal Employment Laws?

Federal employment laws are laws set up by the Federal Government of the United States. They relate to hiring, firing, wages, salary discrimination, and all employment-related aspects of all states of the US. 

Let us check out some of the top Federal employment laws of the US.

The Fair Labor Standards Act

This is a significant Federal employment and labor law of the United States. It functions under the framework of civil law and protects rights such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workplace equality. It stays that all employees are entitled to a minimum wage to avoid exploitation. This act also set up restrictions on the employment of minors. Youths in the United States are not allowed to work under exploitative or unsafe working conditions.

The Family Medical And Family Leave Act

This is a federal law that can assist a person to take time off work because of their familial responsibilities. It was enacted in 1993 and looks after additional benefits, Maternity leaves, and disability insurance for all employees. The Act states that all employers should grant unpaid leaves during a 12-month period for any of the following reasons. 

  • They can require leaves for birth, care, or medical reasons for their newborn. 
  • They can require leave to care for an adopted child or child in foster care, an immediate family member like a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. 
  • To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition
  • To deal with emergencies related to a family member’s active military duty

The Civil Rights Act

When discussing employment and labor laws, it is very important to talk about Title 8 of the Civil Rights Act. 

Title 8 of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination of any employee on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, or any other protected characteristics. It prohibits harassment of any employee, offensive jokes, comments, or any other condition creating a hostile work environment. 

The Americans With Disabilities Act

It is a federal employment law that ensures that equal opportunities and rights are given to individuals having disabilities. Under this act, all employers have to be reasonable while hiring individuals with a disability. Workplace accommodations should also be made to help them function better.

And It’s A Wrap

Employment laws ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities, no matter their background. They ensure diversity, inclusivity, and an equal and fair workplace. They establish minimum wage standards and regulate working hours to prevent exploitation. All employers are to keep accommodations for employees with disabilities. Thus, these laws play a vital role in maintaining a fair and just balance between the interests of employers and employees.

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Debkanya is a lawyer turned writer. With an experience of 3 years, she is your go-to source for all things law. She has a soft corner for the US and international section. When the weekend arrives, you'll find her reading up on politics, Austen, or travel blogs over a cup of coffee.

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