Employment law and labor regulations mainly cover the rights and the obligations between an employer and an employee. Employment relationships can be complicated. That’s why employment laws have been put in place to protect an employee against discrimination, workplace safety, and wrongful termination, just to mention a few. Whether you are a current employee, former employee, or in the process of job search, it’s important to know the employment laws in your state to protect your rights. In Florida, some of these laws include:
Wage & Hour Laws
This includes the minimum wage, overtime wage, and hour protections that an employer is required to give an employee. All employers must comply with the federal minimum wage pay which is currently at $7.25 an hour, but in Florida, it’s currently at $8.25 an hour. Employers in Florida must also follow the overtime pay regulations as stipulated by the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act).
Workplace Safety Laws
Employers are expected to provide a safe and healthy workplace that is free from any dangers. They should also perform safety training that is necessary for the industry to the employees. Most of these safety and health standards are regulated by Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). To make sure all safety rules are followed, an OSH administrator can make inspectional visits to workplaces at any time. If an employee notices any safety issues that have not been addressed by the employer, he/she should contact an OSH administrator. Such an employee is protected by law against employer’s retaliatory actions. Employers must also have insurance for their employees to provide protection in case of workplace injuries.
Discrimination Laws
Discrimination at the workplace occurs when one receives unfair treatment due to their race, age, religion, sex, nationality, and disabilities. Discrimination is illegal, whether it’s during job listing, interview, hiring, promotions or even termination. Harassment is also prohibited at the workplace. This includes any unwelcomed actions such as sexual harassments that can create a hostile working environment for an employee.
Leaving Your Job/Termination Laws
Employees have the right to work at will. This means you can quit anytime you feel like. Employers are also allowed to fire an employee at any time as long as it’s not illegal – not discriminatory or retaliatory. Should you be fired for reasons that don’t amount to serious misconduct, you are eligible for the unemployment benefits.
Time off Work Laws
Most of the employers offer paid leaves to their employees. This can be in the form of vacation time, sick days, holidays, and time off. The state also requires employers to offer medical leave, domestic violence leave, military leave, and jury duty.
Child Labor Laws
These laws regulate youth employment. They dictate minimum working age, the working time, and the type of job.
Other employment laws include compensation laws, hiring laws, work break laws, and many more. Should you feel that your employer is violating any of your workplace rights, get in touch with a local experienced attorney. Contact Chamberlin Law Firm in Tampa, Florida and get a free consultation on employment laws, civil laws, and criminal laws.
Posted on: 12 Mar, 2018
