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In the United States, employees have certain rights that employers must respect. These laws are in place to help maintain the integrity and safety of everyone involved. While laws can vary from country to country and even evolve over time, in the US today, there are many laws you should be aware of. This gallery will cover the most important rights you have, including the right to not work overtime without pay, the right to unionize, and much more.
Curious about what rights you have as an employee? Click through now to find out.
Employers cannot discriminate based on gender, ethnicity, psychological or physical impairment, religion, age, national origin, or other protected category.
Your employer is prohibited from paying different amounts for the same role based on gender or other discriminatory factors.
Employers cannot inquire in an excessive or intrusive manner about an employee’s personal life, family, friendships, or relationships.
There are minimum wage laws that employers must abide by. They must also pay overtime, and provide proper rest and breaks for meals.
Whistleblowers, or those who report illegal or unsafe practices, can't be penalized for reporting.
Employers cannot discipline employees for taking time off to vote or serve on a jury.
A safe work environment is required and employers can't force employees to work with dangerous tools or in a hazardous area.
Employers have to provide leave according to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Additionally, they can not discriminate against someone for actually using it.
It is illegal to mislabel an employee as a contractor in order to avoid providing benefits or legal protection.
An employer can not search your personal things nor can they monitor private spaces (such as changing rooms) or disclose sensitive personal information.
Employees are allowed to discuss wages and negotiate collectively for better compensation. If your employer prohibits this they can get in legal trouble.
It should never be expected or requested for employees to work outside regular hours without pay.
Employers must provide accommodations for those employees who have disabilities, as required by law.
Employers cannot engage in or allow any kind of harassment. This includes sexual harassment or offensive behavior while in the workplace.
Employers can't monitor their employees in private spaces or electronically, which violates employee rights.
Employee data must be protected by employers. This includes medical records, financial information, and biometric data.
Employers can't require workers to undergo a polygraph test according to the Employee Polygraph Protection Act.
Though it ultimately depends on contract terms, employers usually can't dismiss employees without cause or notice.
Employers are prohibited from asking about topics such as marital status, religion, or other protected characteristics on job applications.
Employers can't force their employees to sign overly restrictive or unreasonable noncompete agreements.
If a workplace is hostile or even toxic, then an employer can't legally disregard complaints about it.
If you complain about work conditions on social media your employer cannot punish you.
Employers must honor valid exemptions to vaccine mandates as required by applicable laws.
Reasonable accommodations must be provided for employees with sincerely held religious beliefs or practices unless it causes undue hardship to the business.
Employers cannot interfere with employees’ rights to organize, form, join, or assist labor unions. Additionally, they can not participate in collective bargaining or union-related activities.
An employee cannot be fired, demoted, harassed, or retaliated against in any other way after filing a complaint or lawsuit about workplace discrimination or harassment.
Employers must provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for nursing mothers who need to express breast milk. This is the case for up to one year following the child's birth.
Sources: (U.S. News & World Report) (RKY Careers)
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LIFESTYLE Employment
In the United States, employees have certain rights that employers must respect. These laws are in place to help maintain the integrity and safety of everyone involved. While laws can vary from country to country and even evolve over time, in the US today, there are many laws you should be aware of. This gallery will cover the most important rights you have, including the right to not work overtime without pay, the right to unionize, and much more.
Curious about what rights you have as an employee? Click through now to find out.