Know the Laws That Affect Your Workplace

IMPORTANT FEDERAL LAWS

The U.S. Department of Labor administers and enforces more than 180 federal laws. These mandates and regulations that have been implemented cover many workplace activities. Here are just a few that you should know about.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Sets national minimum standards on minimum wage, child labor laws, and overtime pay.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Establishes the general duty of employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace, along with specific health and safety standards for various jobs and industries. Also gives workers the right to view the employer’s required OSHA injury logs, and protects employee rights to refuse dangerous work under certain conditions. Enforced by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration or by state OSHA plans (to learn if your state is covered by a state OSHA plan, visit www.osha.gov).

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Guarantees covered employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for: 1) treatment or recovery from a serious health condition, 2) care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, 3) caring for a newborn, adopted, or newly-placed foster child.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Forbids age discrimination, including mandatory retirement, against any employee or job applicant over age 40, with some exceptions.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Prohibits discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities and requires employers to make “reasonable accommodations” to allow disabled job applicants and employees to perform work for which they are qualified.

Equal Pay Act

Requires equal pay for men and women for similar work in the same establishment.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Prohibits employment discrimination in hiring, promotion, or job assignments on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, or religion.

State Minimum Wage Laws

Different states may have higher minimum wage levels than the federal standard.