Employment Law 101: Understanding Your Rights In The Workplace

Unpredictable things happen anywhere, even in your workplace. And sometimes, some people tend to act unfairly towards others too. When this happens, you have to stick up for yourself. This way, you’re treated with the kind of respect that you deserve. Also, this may prevent the perpetrators from doing it to others.

But, for you to be able to do that, you must know your rights first, especially in your workplace. Here are some examples of your rights that you need to know, so you can protect yourself.

Equal Pay

Everyone knows that they should be paid for the work they do. Of course, this is what the law states. However, you should know that you have the right to equal pay for equal work.

This means you must be given equal pay regardless of your gender. Seasoned lawyers from this website say if your company pays its male workers $7.25 per hour, then, you must also be paid the same amount if you’re a female if you have the same job content. It’s also applicable for all sorts of pay, such as overtime pay, stock options, bonus plans, etc.

If your employer seems to be violating this law, you also have the right to get legal help, you may directly go to court and you’re not required to file an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charge beforehand.

Confidentiality of Medical and Genetic Information

Some medical and genetic conditions aren’t as well-accepted as others. Unfortunately, some medical and genetic conditions are still stigmatized today, including AIDS, venereal diseases, and mental disorders, to name a few.

They can be bullied or discriminated against because of it. For that reason, many people aren’t comfortable with sharing pieces of information about them.

And in case your employer knew about it due to required medical examinations or for some reason, you have the right to expect them to keep that information to themselves. It must be kept confidential.

Additionally, no employer must use such pieces of information when making employment decisions. This is because your disorder or disease may have nothing to do with your current ability to perform your job.

Safe Environment

Some people can be cruel towards others merely because of their race, color, sex, age, disability, or genetic information. This could result in problems in the office. But, remember, it is also your right to not be harassed or treated less favorably in your workplace.

Your race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or genetic information has nothing to do with your capability to work and it shouldn’t be taken against you.

The law also protects employees from working in an environment that presents a clear risk to them. Their employer must make sure that specific safety provisions and guidelines are followed for the safety of their employees.

It is your right to enjoy a safe environment. Therefore, if you’re not treated well in your workplace or if your employer isn’t implementing safety guidelines and is exposing you to clear risks, you can report it. You can also participate in an investigation or lawsuit related to these treatments.

If you’re threatened to file a complaint, you also have the right to oppose it. And you have all the right to do that without being punished for doing so.

Workplace Changes for Religion or Disability

In some cases, your work could negatively influence your religion or disability. A task could be against your religious beliefs or could be affecting your disability. When such cases happen, remember that you also have the right to request changes in your workplace due to your religious beliefs or medical condition.

However, the law doesn’t say that employers must always agree to such requests. Still, each request must be carefully considered if it would be possible.

Health Coverage

Health is wealth. And no matter what your job is, the law states that it is your right that your employer provides you health coverage. If you work in a company with more than 50 full-time workers ( who work at least 30 hours a week), you should be offered health insurance, even at a minimal level.

If your employer doesn’t offer you health insurance in spite of your eligibility, they’re bound to pay a substantial penalty for it.

The world can be cruel. Therefore, it is a must to know your rights and fight for them. Because if not, people will only take advantage of you and may even do it to others too. It’s a must that you hold people accountable by taking legal actions.

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