Top 7 Laws to Know for Your Day Job
Most of us aren't employed as lawyers, but that doesn't mean employment laws don't impact our jobs every day. And while you don't have to be a legal expert in order to protect your rights at work, it does help to know a few basics.
Here are seven of the most important employment laws that can affect your day-to-day work.
1. How to Handle Salary Negotiations
Pretty good information to have before you start work, but understanding your employment contract, as well as local minimum wage laws, is essential even if you've already accepted a job.
2. Are You an Independent Contractor or an Employee?
This designation could have an impact on everything from benefits to overtime pay, so make sure you know where you stand with your employer.
3. 10 Ways the FMLA Can Work for You
The Family Medical Leave Act provides legal protections for employees who need to take time off work for illnesses or family reasons. Find out if you're covered.
4. 5 Signs of Employment Discrimination
Not all employment discrimination involves overt racism or sexist pay scales. There are more subtle, and still illegal, ways of discriminating against employees.
5. Medical Marijuana Use and Employment Issues
A grand total of 39 states allow medical marijuana in some form, and that number is likely to rise. So does that mean your employer has to allow it as well?
6. Plagiarism: 5 Potential Legal Consequences
Plagiarism isn't a concern reserved for those who write for a living. Stealing another's work can take many forms, so make sure you're on the right side of the law.
7. How to Win a Wrongful Termination Claim
All good things must come to an end. And even if it wasn't a good job, it has to come to an end in the right way. Check here to find out if your firing was legal.
If you have more questions about your legal rights at your day job, contact an experienced employment lawyer in your area.
Related Resources:
- Find Employment Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- 5 Things an Employment Lawyer Can Do (That You Probably Can't) (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- 3 Things to Do Before You Accept a Job Offer (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Top 9 Legal Questions Employees Should Ask (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
