Federal laws protect employees from discrimination, harassment, and other unfair treatment. These laws also give employees the right to fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Without these laws, employees would not be able to speak up against their employers if they were being treated unfairly. These laws are essential because they help to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally.
There are a few vital federal laws that every employee should know about:
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, an employee cannot be fired due to their race, religion, or gender. If the employer does discriminate against an employee, the employee can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires employers to pay men and women equally for doing the same job. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, if a man and woman work as receptionists, they must be paid the same hourly wage. If they are not, the employee can file a complaint with the EEOC.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects employees 40 years of age or older from discrimination. This law applies to all employers with 20 or more employees.
For example, an employer cannot refuse to hire someone because they are over the age of 40. They must also provide the same benefits to older employees as younger employees.
Safety and Health Act
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, if an employer has truck drivers, they must provide them with training on safely operating the vehicles. They must also have a policy in place for what to do if an accident does occur. The employee can seek the help of a truck driver’s attorney if they feel their rights have been violated.
Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 demands employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for specific medical and family reasons. This law applies to all employers with 50 or more employees.
For example, if an employee needs to take care of a sick family member, they are entitled to 12 weeks of leave. An employee can also take a break if they have a baby or need to recover from a severe illness.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 forbids discrimination against pregnant women. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, an employer cannot fire a woman because she is pregnant. They must also provide the same benefits to pregnant employees as they do to other employees.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, an employer cannot refuse to hire someone because they have a disability. They must also provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans discrimination on the essence of religion, race, color, national origin, or sex. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, an employee cannot be fired due to their race, religion, or gender. If the employer does discriminate against an employee, the employee can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Civil Rights Act of 1991
Amending the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991 provides additional protections against discrimination in the workplace. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, the law forbids an employer from retaliating against a worker who complains of discrimination. It also allows employees to seek damages in court if they have been victims of discrimination.
National Labor Relations Act
The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 protects the rights of employees to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
For example, an employer cannot retaliate against an employee for trying to form a union. They must also bargain in good faith with any unions that are formed.
The bottom line
These are just a few of the necessary federal laws that protect employees in the workplace. These laws ensure that employees are treated fairly and have the same rights as other employees. If you feel like your rights have been violated, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options.
