What are workers' rights in the US?

Understanding workers' rights is vital for every employee in the US. Workers' rights, often governed by both federal and state laws, are designed to protect employees from unfair treatment, unsafe working conditions, and to guarantee a minimum level of compensation. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand your rights as a worker in the US.

📜 Understanding Your Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. As of 2021, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, although many states have higher minimum wage rates.

⏰ Making the Most of Overtime Pay: Know Your Rights

FLSA also requires employers to pay at least one and a half times your regular pay rate for any hours you work over 40 in a workweek. However, not all employees are entitled to overtime pay. Exemptions are based on job duties and salary.

👷‍♀️ Keeping Safe at Work: The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Explained

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is a federal law that obligates employers to provide a safe and healthful workplace. Under OSHA, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. If you believe your workplace is unsafe, you have the right to file a complaint with OSHA.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing Work and Family: Your Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.

🚫 Say No to Discrimination and Harassment: Know and Protect Your Rights

Under federal law, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. It's also illegal to harass an employee based on these protected characteristics.

📢 Speak Up Without Fear: Understanding Whistleblower Protection

Whistleblower laws protect employees who report violations of various workplace regulations. This protection ensures that they can report illegal activity without fear of retaliation from their employer.

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Megan Hartley

Labor laws, Workers' rights, Legal research, Florida employment laws

Megan Hartley is a seasoned labor law attorney with over 15 years of experience. She's passionate about fighting for workers' rights and brings this passion to her writing. Megan hails from Florida and enjoys sharing her wealth of knowledge with the Weary Worker audience.