Labor Laws

What are labor laws of US?

The United States government has enacted a number of labor laws to safeguard workers' rights and ensure a fair and safe work environment.

For example:

• The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets a federal minimum wage and requires employers to pay overtime to employees who work more than 40 hours per week.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety regulations, such as those that require employers to provide safe equipment and training to their employees.
• And the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

What labor laws protect employees?

These laws cover a wide range of topics, including wages, hours, safety, and discrimination.

Wages and Hours:

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. It also requires employers to provide breaks and paid time off. It requires employers to pay the non-exempt employees at least the federal minimum wage and overtime pay of one and one-half times the regular pay rate. The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

Workplace Safety and Health:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets workplace safety and health standards. Employers must provide a safe workplace for their employees and comply with OSHA regulations. The OSHA also carries out regular inspections and investigations at the workplace.

Workers' Compensation:

Workers' compensation laws provide benefits to workers injured or who become ill on the job. These benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.For example:

• The Office of Workers Compensation Program(OWCP) compensates maritime employees in case of injuries and their survivors in case of death.
• Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act provides a lump sum benefit of $150,000 and medical benefits to employees working in the Department of Energy as they are more exposed to radiation or they suffer from illness due to exposure to silica or beryllium
• The coal miners who are disabled from black lung disease get monthly cash payments and medical benefits from the Black Lung Benefits Act. Their dependents also get monthly benefits in case of a miner's death.

Employee Protection:

OSHA enforces the law for whistleblowers. The law mandates protect to employees who report illegal or unethical behavior by their employer. Employees retaliated against for reporting wrongdoing may be entitled to compensation or job reinstatement.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA):

The FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. These reasons include the birth or adoption of a child, the serious illness of a family member, or the employee's serious illness.

Discrimination at work

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the EEOC and sue the employer.

These are just a few of the many labor laws that protect workers in the United States. By understanding these laws, employees can protect themselves from unfair treatment and ensure they are treated fairly in the workplace.

References taken from:

• Summary of Major laws of the Department of Labor
• USA Gov