As an employee, it can often feel like you’re just one of hundreds or thousands of “cogs” in the wheel of your organization. You can feel invisible and insignificant. But the reality is that you are important, and there’s a long list of federal laws that protect you from being mistreated or put in harm’s way. Knowing these protections can help you stay safe and recognize when something isn’t right.
Here are seven of the top federal laws protecting employees and their rights:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
One of the most important pieces of legislation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, and termination. (In other words, the organization doesn’t have to be your official employer. Even if you’ve only been through the interview process, these protections apply to you.)
If you ever feel like you’ve been treated unfairly because of who you are, Title VII ensures you have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Do some research on this one if you feel like it’s applicable to your situation.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The FLSA is the cornerstone of wage and hour protections. It ensures that employees are paid at least the federal minimum wage and receive overtime pay for working more than 40 hours a week.
This law also establishes regulations on child labor, protecting minors from being exploited in the workforce. If your employer has ever tried to deny you fair compensation for your time, the FLSA is there to back you up.
Whistleblower Protection Laws
Blowing the whistle on illegal activity can feel risky, but whistleblower laws are designed to protect you. These laws ensure that employees who report misconduct, fraud, or unsafe practices are not retaliated against by their employers.
“A whistleblower is someone who reports illegal activity, bringing wrongdoers to justice,” attorney Peter Katz mentions. “A whistleblower reports sensitive information to an authorized recipient (someone who has the authority to take legal action). Both federal and state laws provide whistleblowers protection from being fired, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against by their employers.”
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing corporate and governmental wrongdoing. If you’re considering reporting misconduct, it’s important to understand the protections available under laws like the Whistleblower Protection Act and the False Claims Act.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
Your safety at work shouldn’t be left to chance, and that’s where OSHA comes in. This law requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace by complying with specific safety standards.
OSHA covers everything from proper equipment maintenance to hazard communication, ensuring your work environment is as risk-free as possible. If you feel unsafe or notice potential hazards, you have the right to report your concerns without fear of retaliation.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Balancing personal responsibilities with your job can be challenging, especially during major life events. The FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for family or medical reasons.
This could include caring for a newborn or seriously ill family member, or recovering from your own health issues. While unpaid, FMLA ensures that you’ll have your job waiting for you when you’re ready to return.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities are given equal opportunities in the workplace. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations – such as modified work schedules or accessible equipment – to employees with disabilities, as long as it doesn’t create undue hardship for the business.
If you have a disability, the ADA empowers you to request the tools or adjustments you need to do well in your role without fear of being discriminated against. However, there are still plenty of employers who will try to make life hard for you, so don’t be afraid to pursue necessary actions if you aren’t given the rights you deserve under the ADA.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
The ADEA is designed to protect workers aged 40 and older from discrimination in hiring, promotion, or employment termination. As the workforce continues to age, this law makes sure that older employees are judged based on their qualifications and performance – not their age.
If you believe you’ve been overlooked for a promotion or let go due to your age, the ADEA gives you the legal standing to file a complaint and seek justice.
Stand Up for Yourself
As an employee in a large organization – or even a smaller company, for that matter – you can’t expect everyone else to look out for you. At some point, you have to know your rights and stand up for yourself.
Thankfully, there are plenty of federal protections that give you the right to do so. Get familiar with these and act with confidence!
