Long gone are the days when the employers held their employee’s hostage by making all the decisions unchecked. As an employee, you have rights! For example, you have the right to be compensated fairly for work done. You are also entitled to benefits that will ensure your health and safety while you work. Well, there are many federal laws that protect you in the line of duty. Let us explore some of the critical Federal laws you ought to know.
Minimum Wage
Did you know that by law, there is the least amount you can be paid for your labor? Well, minimum wage continues to generate debate among business owners and ordinary employees. The general claim is that increasing the minimum wage would put low-wage workers at risk and reduce jobs. Others feel that raising the minimum wage will raise the living standards. Either way, it is crucial for you to know your wage rights under law. The Fair Labour Standards Act is the law that protects you and guarantees you a minimum wage. You should not be paid less than $ 7.25, as that is the minimum wage stipulated by the law.
Workplace Safety
Your employer is responsible for providing a safe working environment for you. This is in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, which was essentially crafted to minimize the dangers posed to American workers. The law also has a number of safety provisions, including guidelines for specific industries.
The primary responsibility for enforcing the law falls on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, state agencies often have jurisdiction and the ability to implement workplace safety laws.
Say you are a truck driver working for a logistics company. In this case, your employer should ensure that the car you are using to deliver goods to the customers is properly serviced to avoid any accident. In case you are involved in a car accident while on duty, your employer is liable to meet the cost of your treatment, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
That said, employees and insurers might make it hard to get the compensation you deserve. If this has happened to you, then contact a local car accident attorney today to help expound on your rights and help you fight for justice. It is essential to understand the workplace protocol and safety guidelines as you work to avoid taking blame for any incidents that crop up. For example, avoid using a company vehicle to run personal errands.
Health Coverage for Workers
The Affordable Care Act that was passed in 2010 provides a right to health insurance for all workers. The act established the Employer Shared Responsibility Payment, which requires that the employer offers you a minimal level of health insurance coverage. For you to qualify for the program, you are required to work for a minimum of thirty hours a week. This amount of time is considered full-time employment under the Affordable Care Act, therefore, guaranteeing you health coverage.
Social Security
The Social Security Act signed into law in 1935, provides a financial safety net for the retired and disabled workers. The goal is to lift the senior citizens out of poverty and allow them a decent life after retirement. The Social Security funds are deducted as payroll tax, where you and the employer must remit equal amounts towards the funds. In case you are self-employed, you are responsible for both the employer and the employee portion of the payroll tax.
Family Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act was signed into law in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. The law offers an opportunity for workers to take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave. This is especially after a child is born or adopted into the family. The law also protects you in case you wish to take time off to care for your loved ones.
To qualify for the benefits under this law, you need to have been a worker at the company for a minimum of twelve months. Besides, you need to have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours over the past year to be eligible for the leave.
Law Against Discrimination at the Workplace
Based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the law prohibits any form of discrimination against workers. Such bases of discrimination that are not permitted include race, color, religion, nationality, or sex. Workers are also protected against any form of age discrimination in the workplace. Other than this, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 provides additional protection for workers. The law protects workers against wage discrimination based on sex and minority status. As a worker, you are afforded significant protections against discrimination, unfair pay, and recrimination, among other common social issues.
Final Remarks
In a nutshell, you have rights that are protected by law as you work. It is best to understand your worker’s rights and the laws that protect you to avoid any form of violations from colleagues and your employer. It is the only way you can take the right steps to protect yourself at work.
Sean Cooper is the bestselling author of the book, Burn Your Mortgage: The Simple, Powerful Path to Financial Freedom for Canadians, available now on Amazon and at Chapters, Indigo and major bookstores, and as an Audiobook on Amazon, Audible and iTunes.