In the past, the employer was the king. But giving people too much power was a big problem and led to abuse. That is why the government enacted several laws to maximize the protection of workers. If you are working in any salaried position, you should be familiar with most of them to ensure that you get a fair wage.
Here is a quick list of some laws that you need to know:
The Right to Strike
One of the earliest labor laws in the US was the Norris-LaGuardia Act of 1932. This is mainly about your right to strike and organize a labor union. This is pretty important since this is one of the essential weapons you have against an abusive employer. With a union behind you, it is much easier to protect yourself from abuse.
The Right to a Fair Wage
An important law that you need to be aware of is the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is mainly because this is the law that ensures that you get a fair wage for your work. This means minimum wage rates apply to your work, while overtime work needs payment. It also ensures protection for minors in the work environment, protecting them from dangerous work and limiting their hours.
The Right to Workplace Safety
No one wants to work where they are in danger. This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is a big deal. It ensures that workplace environments have all the safety precautions in place. It also places stiff penalties on companies that don’t follow their safety guidelines.
The Right to Family Leave
In the past, you had to work constantly, leaving your family in the lurch. This is despite no matter what circumstances there are in your family. People could not stop working unless they wanted to lose their jobs. Well, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ensures that you have 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family reasons. It can be for birth reasons or for maybe a family member is sick but at least you have time for them and not have to worry about work.
Protect Your Rights
What do you need to do when you feel one or more of the above rights are violated? It is time to get some legal help. It is a good idea to consult with lawyers who specialize in your particular industry. For example, experienced trucking attorneys in Washington are g good option for truckers who feel they need to file a case against their employer. They will be able to give you an idea of whether you have a case and what you need to do to get what you deserve.
A job can mean many things to people. It can be a source of income and pride for many. But it is not always smooth sailing. Knowing the laws above and how to ensure that you get their benefits is important to any working man. Remember them the next time you are in the workplace or the road and you feel like you are getting a bad deal.
