There are a lot of laws & regulations at work, but trust me, we probably only know half of them. I didn’t either, until a couple years ago when I had a problem with unpaid overtime at my previous job. I was trapped & clueless what to do – until a friend pointed me towards the labor laws that actually saved me.
Some of these laws are known, such as the anti-discrimination laws, but others are not – despite how useful they might be. Today, let’s explore 11 lesser-known laws you may not have heard of that will help you stay safe at work.
Featured Image Credit: Tirachard Kumtanom /Pexels.com.
Can You Talk About Your Pay?
Most of us still think it’s unethical or even against the company policy to talk about salary, but you’re entitled to it. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives you the right to discuss your wages publicly with co-workers. This law is meant to stop unequal pay practices and keep everything transparent. If someone in a company does try to shut you down, they are violating the law, not you.
What Happens If You Report Unsafe Conditions?
If your workplace is unsafe, you can report it without fear. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) protects you from being fired, demoted, or otherwise treated unfairly for bringing safety issues to the office’s attention.
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Jury Duty? No Problem!
You can’t get fired for serving on a jury & your employers can’t punish you for it. And they even have to reimburse you for the time you’re out of work, in some states.
Did You Know You Can See Your Personnel File?
Ever wondered what’s in your employee file? You can legally review it in most states. It could be performance reviews, disciplinary actions or any other records of your activities. Checking your file will alert you of mistakes or unjust statements that may negatively impact your career.
Family Leave Isn’t Just for Close Relatives
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) doesn’t apply only to parents or spouses. Even if you’re the primary caregiver of someone, such as a friend or extended family member, you could still receive unpaid leave.
Can You Post About Work on Social Media?
In case you’re writing about working conditions on social media, you’re under NLRA protection. This doesn’t mean you can say anything without consequence, but if you are talking about discriminatory treatment or policies, your employer can’t fire you.
Support for Nursing Moms
New moms are legally allowed to take time off from work to pump breast milk. Under the FLSA, employers must allow time & a private space (not a bathroom) for this. That’s one of the smallest ways to support busy moms as they work & parent.
Are You Covered as a Whistleblower?
If you uncover fraud or workplace misdeeds, you are covered by whistleblower law. These laws prevent you from being fired, demoted or otherwise bullied for speaking up. They’re there so you know you can do the right thing & still make a living.
Your Tips Are Yours—Period
If you are doing a tipped job, the federal government makes sure that your tips stay yours. Employers can’t take a cut unless they’re in a legal tip-sharing agreement with other tipped workers. Knowing this will protect you from being cheated.
Paid Leave for Domestic Violence Survivors
In some states, victims of domestic abuse can take paid time off to attend court or, get medical care, or move out of the state. This law prevents those who are facing tough times from having to choose between their life & their livelihood.
Can You Refuse Mandatory Overtime?
There are industries, such as medicine, where people can refuse to work overtime if it threatens safety. For instance, a nurse can refuse extra hours if they’re too tired to take care of patients. This saves workers & the people they serve, from the risks of overwork.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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