It is essential to know your rights in any situation. There are multiple laws related to employment that protect both employers and workers. A lot of them are very standard, such as restrictions against child labor and the minimum wage, but each state has unique features. This is an extensive overview of the state’s wage and hour labor rules, along with any peculiar practices and benefits legislation you must be aware of. For more information, you should contact a wage & hour attorney.
The Basic Laws You Should Be Aware Of If You Are An Employee
- Wages
Every state’s wage laws are generally consistent with those of the whole country. Employees usually are eligible for time and a half after working 40 hours in a workweek. This rule may need to be addressed by people in salary-based jobs, especially those in executive roles. Currently, the state minimum wage is $8.38, and most jobs should pay at least this amount. A permit to pay disabled people less can be obtained through charitable organizations, and there are a few other usual exceptions. Companies are also prohibited from withholding wages for events like spills, breakages, or shortages at cash registers.
It is important to recognize the inappropriate exemptions that exist in almost every state. Most notable are state laws on agricultural workers. Labor camps are legal, but periodic inspections are required to ensure their living and working conditions are adequate. Overtime and minimum wage laws do not apply to agricultural workers. All minors must have a worker’s license, whether they work on farms or not, and licenses can allow for additional minimum wage standards.
- Hours
Mandatory overtime is generally illegal. The majority of exclusions happen in the healthcare industry, where some life-saving situations might require overtime. In addition, if you are an at-will state, either party can change or end the working relationship at any point without giving the other person a prior warning or justification. However, it is against the law to fire someone for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
- Benefits
The state does not require employers to offer any fringe benefits. Although the Affordable Care Act might require employers to provide health insurance on a federal level, some states do not yet have any state law relating to this matter. However, if there are any changes to health benefits, a law demands a minimum of thirty days’ notice.