employment law

What Is Employment Law?

Employment law encompasses all aspects of the relationship between an employer and an employee, including unemployment compensation, workplace safety, pensions, and wages. However, because these laws address all these various aspects, having knowledge of these laws can help you understand your rights as an employee and employer. That is why, in this guide, we will review what employment law is, the situations that involve employment law, and how an experienced employment law attorney can help you.

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What Exactly Is Employment Law?

Employment law refers to a set of laws that regulate the relationship between an employee and their employer. These laws cover the rights and obligations of both parties, ensuring that workplaces are safe and appropriate for employees to work in. Employment law also governs working hours and determines employee wages. Given the extensive nature of employment law, this law is divided into specific areas such as benefits, workplace safety, wages, medical leave, unemployment, and workplace conduct.

Common Issues That Arise 

Employees are entitled to certain protections and rights, including the right to be free from discrimination, receive fair pay, and take time off for medical and family-related reasons. While federal employment laws establish the minimum standards, many states have enacted additional workplace laws to protect employees further.

As a result, some of the issues that tend to result in complaints or lawsuits include the following:

  • Sexual Harassment: Harassment occurs when there is inappropriate sexual behavior within the workplace. This can include unwanted physical conduct or sexual remarks. 
  • Discrimination: Employees cannot be discriminated against for certain characteristics, including nationality or gender. 
  • Wrongful Termination: An employer cannot fire an employee due to retaliation for a legal complaint or for protected characteristics, including gender, race, or pregnancy.
  • Wage and Hour: An employer must pay at least minimum wage, pay overtime for hours over 40/week, and comply with other wage and hour laws.

To better understand these employment laws and how they apply to your specific case, consider speaking with a skilled employment law attorney. These legal professionals can assist you in understanding your rights, determining whether any actions violate these laws, and providing legal counsel to tackle these challenging situations.

Are There Employers Who Are Exempt From Employment Laws?

It should also be noted that not all businesses are protected equally under employment law. For instance, certain small businesses may be excused from some requirements, and certain employees may not have the same wage protections as others. Moreover, in most states, employment is “at-will,” which implies that an employer can end a person’s employment for any reason as long as it is not illegal.

Learn More About Employment Law, Contact Herrera Clifton Hess Today 

Herrera Clifton Hess offers businesses a range of employment law services, including assistance with creating, editing, and amending employment regulations and policies. Our goal is to help businesses create a workplace that fosters employee success. We also help employees protect their rights and pursue fair resolutions to any employment matter they may face.

If you have questions regarding an employment issue, contact Herrera Clifton Hess today to learn how our legal team can help you.