{"id":357859,"date":"2017-04-27T13:06:07","date_gmt":"2017-04-27T18:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/labor-rights-overview.html"},"modified":"2025-03-24T23:49:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T04:49:00","slug":"labor-rights-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/labor-rights-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Employee Rights Overview: Your Guide to Labor Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Employee Rights Overview: Your Guide to Labor Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

The U.S. labor movement has championed key employee rights such as unionization, fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. Various federal laws protect these rights. Understanding basic employment rights is crucial for employees to ensure fair treatment and a safe working environment.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The labor movement in the United States gained momentum in the mid-19th century. During this time, workers attempted to get higher wages and better working conditions. Today, unions continue to fight for employee rights<\/a> through the power of collective bargaining<\/a>.<\/p>\n

An employer violating your labor rights can leave you feeling helpless and mistreated. Take control of the situation\u2014contact an employment law attorney<\/a> in your area for help.<\/p>\n

Different rights of employees <\/a>have been emphasized throughout the history of the labor movement. This article describes some of the primary labor rights championed by the labor movement in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Early Labor Rights<\/h2>\n

During the 19th century, many viewed collective bargaining as a criminal conspiracy. Even when it was allowed, employers often retaliated against workers who joined a union. The right to unionize<\/a> was finally recognized in the 20th century.<\/p>\n

The National Labor Relations Act<\/a> of 1935 (NLRA) is one of the most significant pieces of federal legislation protecting employees in the private sector. It safeguards employees’ rights to form and join a union. It also prohibits retaliation and other unfair labor practices.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there’s the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act<\/a>. This Act details and protects the rights of union members.<\/p>\n

Working Hours<\/h2>\n

The labor movement has long advocated for reasonable limitations on the number of hours worked. Movements advocating for a 10-hour workday, and later an eight-hour workday, emerged in the 19th century.<\/p>\n

Federal laws, like the federal Fair Labor Standards Act<\/a> (FLSA), established standards for the number of hours an employee can work in a workweek. These laws ensure that employees are compensated for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.<\/p>\n

Wages and Benefits<\/h2>\n

The labor movement has long advocated for fair compensation. This includes employee wages and employee benefits. Federal<\/a> and state laws <\/a>establish minimum wage rates for all workers. Employers must pay employees at least the federal minimum wage.<\/p>\n

Employers must also provide overtime pay for hours worked beyond a certain threshold. This is typically calculated at one-half times the regular rate of pay. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division<\/a> oversees the enforcement of federal minimum wage laws and the requirements for payment of wages and overtime pay within designated pay periods.<\/p>\n

Additionally, many employers offer employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. These benefits contribute to employees’ financial security and well-being. Employee benefits are an integral part of total compensation packages<\/a>. They reflect an employer’s commitment to supporting their workforce beyond basic wages.<\/p>\n

Health and Safety<\/h2>\n

Employees have the right to work in a healthy and safe environment. Early labor movements fought for workplace safety standards. This includes benefits like sick leave and medical leave. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration<\/a> (OSHA) plays a crucial role in protecting workers\u2019 rights by enforcing regulations that promote safe working conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, employees are entitled to certain protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act <\/a>(FMLA). The FMLA provides eligible workers with job-protected, unpaid leave for specified family and medical reasons.<\/p>\n

Additionally, workers who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation<\/a> benefits. Worker’s compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages.<\/p>\n

Human Trafficking<\/h2>\n

An obvious labor right is the right to choose your employment and to be free from coercion and forced labor. Unfortunately, many people are denied these rights because of human trafficking<\/a>. This often happens in the context of sexual harassment and exploitation.<\/p>\n

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act<\/a> aims to combat this issue. This legislation protects victims of forced labor and sexual exploitation.<\/p>\n

Child Labor<\/h2>\n

Efforts to regulate child labor gained momentum in the late 19th century, driven by concerns over the exploitation of children in factories.<\/p>\n

Child labor laws<\/a> aim to prioritize the education and well-being of young workers. They also protect minors from exploitation and hazardous working conditions. These laws set minimum age requirements for employment and restrict the types of jobs minors can work.<\/p>\n

Workplace Discrimination<\/h2>\n

Labor rights encompass the fundamental right to be free from discrimination in the workplace. Both state and federal laws uphold the principle of equal pay for equal work. They also prohibit employment discrimination<\/a> on various grounds, including:<\/p>\n