Labor Laws and Issues
Learn about some important employment laws and issues.
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Discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment in the workplace by anyone because of:
Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including gender identity, transgender status, and sexual orientation)
Pregnancy
National origin
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnAge (40 or older)
Disability
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnGenetic information
Being denied reasonable workplace accommodations for disability or religious beliefs
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnRetaliation because they:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnComplained about job discrimination
Helped with an investigation or lawsuit
Filing a Complaint with State or Local Government or Tribal Employment Rights Office
To file a complaint, contact your .
Many state and local governments have their own anti-discrimination laws. These laws may offer extra protections beyond federal laws.
Some state laws:
Apply to businesses with only five or six employees
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnProhibit discrimination based on whether you're married or have children
Have different deadlines for filing a charge
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnHave different standards for deciding whether you’re covered by them
Many state laws have more protections for nursing mothers than federal law requires. enforce these laws.
Filing a Lawsuit
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnIf you're a victim of job discrimination or harassment, you can . If the discrimination violates federal law, you must first file a charge with the EEOC. (This doesn't apply to cases of unequal pay between men and women.)
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnYou may decide to sue if the EEOC can’t help you. In either case, look for an attorney who specializes in employment law. You can check with:
Not All Employers Are Subject to EEOC Laws
This number varies based on the type of employer and the kind of discrimination alleged.
Businesses, state, and local governments must follow most EEOC laws if they have 15 or more employees.
Federal agencies must follow all EEOC laws, no matter how many employees they have.
Laws that the EEOC Enforces
Federal employment discrimination laws include:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền (ADA) – prohibiting discrimination against workers with disabilities and mandating reasonable accommodations
(ADEA)
(Title VII) – prohibiting discrimination based on:
Race
Color
Religion
National origin
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnSex (including sexual orientation and gender identity). Learn more about for LGBTQ workers. These protections apply regardless of any contrary state or local laws.
(EPA) – requiring equal pay for equal work by men and women
Harassment
is unwelcome conduct based on:
Race
Color
Religion
Sex
National origin
Age
Pregnancy
Disability
Genetic information
It can include:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnOffensive jokes
Physical assaults or threats
Ridicule or insults
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnDisplay of offensive objects or pictures
may include:
Unwelcome sexual advances
Requests for sexual favors
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnOther verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnOffensive remarks about a person's sex
Harassment becomes illegal when:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnIt creates a hostile or abusive work environment
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnThe victim gets fired or demoted for refusing to put up with it
Protection from Retaliation
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnEEOC laws protect employees and job applicants from . For example, it’s unlawful to punish people for:
Filing or being a witness in an EEO charge or investigation
Talking to a supervisor or manager about discrimination or harassment
Refusing to follow orders that would result in discrimination
Resisting sexual advances, or intervening to protect others
Situations Included Under FMLA
- Illness
- Caring for a qualifying sick family member
- The birth or adoption of a child
- Military caregiving or other emergencies related to a family member's active duty service
This unpaid leave is guaranteed by law and is available to workers at companies with 50 or more employees. can help you understand your rights and coverage.
Questions or Reporting a Violation of the FMLA
If you have unanswered questions about the FMLA or you believe someone has violated your rights under FMLA, for assistance.
Employer Responsibilities Under FMLA
Employers with FMLA eligible employees have specific under the law. Learn by the FMLA.
If you are an employer with concerns about false FMLA leave, with any questions about FMLA compliance and seek the advice of your company's legal and human resources departments.
administers and enforces some of the nation's most comprehensive labor laws. They include:Minimum Wage
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnThe federal minimum wage is the lowest legal hourly pay for many workers. Tipped employees may have a different wage.
The minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for as of July 24, 2009. Learn more about the minimum wage in the .
Many states and cities also have minimum wage laws. Where federal and state laws have different rates, the higher wage applies. and its .
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnContact your with questions about minimum wage.
Overtime Pay
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnAn employer may require or permit a worker to work . The states that workers who clock more than 40 hours per week are to get overtime pay. There are few exceptions to this rule.
- for overtime pay guidance.
- Visit the for exemption classifications and state legal tools.
Misclassification
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnAn employer says a worker is an independent contractor. The law says the worker is an employee. That's misclassification, which can:
Affect a worker’s pay, protections, and benefits
Cause tax problems for both businesses and workers
Resources and Next Steps
- See a about misclassification.
- Find .
- If you’ve been misclassified, for more information. Or with the Department of Labor.
Learn About Your State's Labor Laws
Labor laws vary by state. Contact the state government for information about specific laws where you work.
- Business owners: Check out the Small Business Administration's .
- For complaints about safety issues on the road, such as being forced to drive in unsafe conditions, fill out the online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).
- If you have a complaint about safety issues occurring inside a trucking building or facility, there are a variety of ways for workers to with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Workers’ Safety Rights
As an employed worker, you’re entitled to certain - especially ones that keep you safe. These include the right to:
- Be trained in a language that you understand
- Be provided with the necessary safety equipment
- Report injury or illness
- Voice your concern over unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation
In order to improve safety in the workplace, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) .
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnAs of January 1, 2017, certain employers are required to electronically submit injury or illness data. Doing this allows OSHA to improve enforcement of workplace safety requirements and provide valuable information online for workers, job seekers, customers, and the general public. The new rule also prohibits employers from discouraging their workers from reporting an injury or illness.
can help you file a claim. If your claim is denied, you can appeal.Longshore and Harbor Workers, Coal Miners, Nuclear Weapons Workers, and Federal Employees
Federal laws protect longshore and harbor workers, coal miners, nuclear weapons workers employed by the Department of Energy (DOE) or a DOE contractor, and federal employees. Contact the that applies to you for help filing a claim.
for more information on wrongful termination laws in your state.Employers
If you are an employer seeking information about legal termination of employees, you may wish to contact both the and your to ensure you do not violate any federal or state labor laws. You may wish to consult with a licensed attorney.
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Last Updated: September 14, 2020