Labor 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 labor laws is to protect the employment rights of workers. Labor laws also create processes and governmental departments that are instrumental in investigating employment-related disputes.
In its early stages, labor law mostly addressed the regulation and banning of child labor especially in connection with certain industries. From there, it evolved over time to address more labor disputes, as well as the regulation and formation of labor unions.
In many instances, the term “labor 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 labor law tends to deal with the rights of groups of people (such as with labor unions), while employment law often deals with individual rights and conflicts. There is much overlap between the two areas of law.
There is much overlap between the two areas of law, as they govern the relationships and interactions between employees and employers. There are two general categories of employees, at-will employees and contingent workers, for example, contract workers.
In most states, employment is classified as at will. Under this classification, employers are allowed to terminate a worker for any reason from any job position, as long as the reason is not against the law.
Labor laws cover a wide range of issues, including those related to:
It is important to consult with a lawyer any time you have a concern or issue in the workplace, as you may have multiple types of claims. Your attorney can also help you understand your classification as a worker and how that impacts your rights.
There are a number of federal laws that shape and define U.S. labor laws. Some of the more commonly-cited U.S. labor laws and departments include:
States may also have their own labor laws, which may or may not adopt the guidelines set forth in various federal laws. Each state’s body of labor laws will be different from the next, so it’s important to consult with a labor lawyer if you have any inquiries.
Labor laws cover a wide range of labor practices and disputes. As mentioned, many labor laws also overlap with (or are the same as) employment laws, with the distinction being that labor laws often focus on group rights rather than individual rights.
Some labor practices and disputes may involve:
For instance, discrimination claims are largely handled by the EEOC, while health and safety matters will be investigated by OSHA.
Remedies provided under U.S. labor laws can involve a number of different measures to make the employee whole again. Labor law remedies can include:
Labor 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 labor lawyer in your area if you are involved in a labor dispute or conflict.
Your attorney 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.
A labor lawyer can also help you avoid disputes by advising you of your worker classification and associated rights, and communicating with your employer if an issue does arise. LegalMatch offers a free and easy way for you to communicate with labor lawyers near you who can help.
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