Are you currently employed? Then, a large portion of your life is spent at work. It is therefore important to work for an employer who abides by employment and anti-discrimination laws.
Workers have many rights under the employment law which in many cases they’re not aware of. Here is a list of employee’s legal rights.
- As a Job Applicant
Yes. You don’t need to be an employee of any business to enjoy employment rights. A job applicant also has certain rights prior to employment. They include the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, and national origin during the hiring process. For instance, your prospective employer cannot ask family-related questions during the recruitment and selection process.
- Keep Copies of Documents You Sign
Do you remember that stack of documents you signed when you started your job? In most cases, the employees don’t read any of these documents. Well, chances are, you agreed not to work for a competitor or leave the firm before completing two or three years.
The documents you sign can be self-implicating. Therefore, keep a copy of the documents you sign whether you plan to leave the firm or stick around.
- Contract of Employment
In several cases, employers shy away from giving their employees a contract of employment. And yes, they’re not legally obligated to offer you a contract of statement. However, within sixty days of starting the job, you should receive a written document outlining the basic details of the job.
The document should also outline the main terms and conditions of employment. These include: the job title, monthly wages, leave management, applicable pension scheme, the disciplinary process, minimum notice period, and the expected hours of work.
- Safe Working Conditions
You have a right to demand a safe and secure working environment. For instance, working in a factory setup could present several safety and health hazards. Your employer should employ measures to ensure the area is safe for all employees.
If not, you can raise a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on any unsafe hazard in your workplace.
- Family Leave
Expectant mothers are entitled to time off for antenatal care. After delivery, they’re entitled to a minimum of three months’ maternity leave. Men are entitled to one or two weeks’ paternity leave when the baby is born.
If you receive a dismissal notice when on leave, the notice should be accompanied by a written explanation for the same.
- Meals
Laws that govern lunch and rest breaks can vary across states. So, check your state laws for more information.
At least half of U.S states require 30 minutes to one hour of meal break for employees working a given number of hours. The short rest breaks include time to go to the bathroom, smoke, or grab a snack.
- Discrimination and Harassment
The Federal government, under a variety of laws, protects you against discrimination in the workplace. These laws include The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
Contact a competent discrimination lawyer in Flemington whenever you feel your rights are aggrieved. The discrimination may be on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, disability, or origin.
Further, you have a right to work without fear of harassment by your employer or fellow employees. That includes intimidation and sexual harassment.
Conclusion
As an employee, you spend a larger part of your life at work. As such, several state and federal laws exist to ensure your rights aren’t violated.
However, if they’re breached, you have a right to choose an attorney of your choice and sue your employer.
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