Employment Rights: What Workers Need to Know

Employment Rights

Wage and Hour Laws

Federal Minimum Wage: $7.25/hour (many states and cities have higher minimums — check yours)

Overtime: Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5x their regular rate for hours over 40 per week (FLSA). Some states have daily overtime rules.

Exempt vs. Non-Exempt:

Exempt employees (salaried, $43,888+ annually as of 2024) are not entitled to overtime

Exemption requires meeting specific duties tests (executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, computer)

Being paid a salary alone does not make you exempt

Anti-Discrimination Protections

Federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on:

Race, color, national origin (Title VII)

Sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation (Title VII)

Religion (Title VII)

Age 40+ (ADEA)

Disability (ADA)

Genetic information (GINA)

These protections cover hiring, firing, pay, promotions, harassment, and all other terms of employment. Applies to employers with 15+ employees (20+ for age discrimination).

Family and Medical Leave

The FMLA provides eligible employees with:

12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year

For: birth/adoption of a child, serious health condition (yours or a family member's), military family leave

Eligibility: Worked for the employer 12+ months, 1,250+ hours in the past 12 months, employer has 50+ employees

Many states have expanded family leave laws with paid benefits

Workplace Safety

OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace free of known hazards

You have the right to report unsafe conditions without retaliation

You can file an OSHA complaint anonymously

You have the right to refuse work that poses imminent danger to your life

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

Document everything — dates, times, witnesses, communications

Report the issue internally through HR or management

File a charge with the EEOC (discrimination) or a complaint with the DOL (wage violations)

Consult an employment attorney — many work on contingency (no fee unless you win)

Disclaimer: Employment laws vary by state and city. Many jurisdictions provide stronger protections than federal law. Consult an employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.