Labour Lawyers
What is Labour Law?
Labour laws are a set of laws, statutes, and regulations that broadly cover various issues that may arise in an employment setting. The main purpose of labour laws is to protect the employment rights of workers. Labour laws also create processes and governmental departments that are instrumental in investigating employment-related disputes.
In its early stages, labour law mostly addressed the regulation and banning of child labour especially in connection with certain industries. From there, it evolved over time to address more labour disputes, as well as the regulation and formation of labour unions.
In many instances, the term “labour law” is used interchangeably with “employment law”, as both areas of law may address similar subjects and legal issues. However, one major difference between the two is that labour law tends to deal with the rights of groups of people (such as with labour unions), while employment law often deals with individual rights and conflicts. There is much overlap between the two areas of law.
Labour laws cover a wide range of issues, including those related to discrimination, harassment, hiring/firing, unfair labour practices, compensation, and other issues.
What are Some Illegal Labour Practices?
Labour laws cover a wide range of illegal labour practices. As mentioned, many labour laws also overlap with (or are the same as) employment laws, with the distinction being that labour laws often focus on group rights rather than individual rights.
Some illegal labour practices and disputes may involve:
- Child labour law violations
- Unfair labour practices
- Contract labour issues
- Labour union disputes
- Wage and hour disputes
- Disputes involving employer rights
- Employment discrimination, workplace harassment, and other workplace disputes
If you believe that you have been affected by any illegal labour practices, or if you observe them happening in your workplace, you may want to report the unfair labour practices to the relevant agency or administration.
Remedies provided under labour laws can involve a number of different measures to make the employee(s) whole again through. Labour law remedies can include:
- Investigations into the conditions of the workplace;
- Damages for losses caused by labour violations (such as payment of lost wages);
- Reinstatement of a terminated employee to their previous position;
- Bargaining guidance for union negotiations;
- Requirements that the employer change their work practices and policies; and
- Various other remedies.
Do I Need to Hire a Labour Lawyer if I’m Involved in a Dispute?
Labour laws cover a very wide range of conflicts and disputes, and can sometimes be complex. It may be in your best interests to hire a labour lawyer in your area if you are involved in a labour dispute or conflict. Your lawyer can research the laws to determine which acts or statutes are applicable to your case. They can also help you file a claim with the appropriate agency.
