Agencies/Laws Protection and services for the people Can you list an example when you might need any of these laws?

F.M.L.A. (Family Medical Leave Act) The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides certain employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It also requires that their group health benefits be maintained during the leave.Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Can you list an example when you might need this law? by Janie S. Torain2

FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) (cont.) Who is eligible: for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee; for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care; to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition. Can you list an example when you might need this law? by Janie S. Torain3

E.E.O.C. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal agency charged with ending employment discrimination. The EEOC investigates discrimination complaints based on an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability and also investigates allegations of retaliation (e.g. demotion, discharge, discipline, harassment, etc...) for reporting and/or opposing a discriminatory practice. The EEOC is also tasked with filing suits on behalf of alleged victim(s) of discrimination against employers and as an adjudicatory for claims of discrimination brought against federal agencies. by Janie S. Torain4

Age Discrimination Act The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. The ADEA's protections apply to both employees and job applicants. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) Under the ADEA, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his/her age with respect to any term, condition, or privilege of employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, layoff, compensation, benefits, job assignments, and training. It is also unlawful to retaliate against an individual for opposing employment practices that discriminate based on age or for filing an age discrimination charge, testifying, or participating in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or litigation under the ADEA. by Janie S. Torain5

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. by Janie S. Torain6

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Promote employment and independence for people with disabilities through customer partnership and community leadership. by Janie S. Torain7

Fair Labor Standards Act It requires employers to pay covered employees who are not otherwise exempt at least the federal minimum wage and overtime pay of one-and-one- half-times the regular rate of pay. For nonagricultural operations, it restricts the hours that children under age 16 can work and forbids the employment of children under age 18 in certain jobs deemed too dangerous. For agricultural operations, it prohibits the employment of children under age 16 during school hours and in certain jobs deemed too dangerous. by Janie S. Torain8

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Prohibits discrimination and requires employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that exceed $10,000 to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote qualified individuals with disabilities. by Janie S. Torain9

American’s with Disabilities Act Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. It also applies to the United States Congress. One must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered. by Janie S. Torain10

COBRA The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. Qualified individuals may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan. by Janie S. Torain11

Unemployment Insurance The Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own (as determined under State law), and meet other eligibility requirements of State law. Unemployment insurance payments (benefits) are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who meet the requirements of State law. Each State administers a separate unemployment insurance program within guidelines established by Federal law. Eligibility for unemployment insurance, benefit amounts and the length of time benefits are available are determined by the State law under which unemployment insurance claims are established. by Janie S. Torain12

Unemployment Benefits Benefits are based on a percentage of an individual's earnings over a recent 52-week period - up to a State maximum amount. Benefits can be paid for a maximum of 26 weeks in most States. Additional weeks of benefits may be available during times of high unemployment. Some States provide additional benefits for specific purposes. Benefits are subject to Federal income taxes and must be reported on your Federal income tax return. You may elect to have the tax withheld by the State Unemployment Insurance agency. by Janie S. Torain13

Worker’s Compensation A no fault system that allows injured or sick employees to receive certain benefits (which normally includes medical care, payment of a certain percentage of a worker's wages, and, in many cases, the continuation of certain benefits) while not suing their employer (though, in some instances, an employer can still be sued, though generally this involves extreme negligence). It is a system that exists in all states to protect workers who become hurt on the job or contract an illness as a result of their job. by Janie S. Torain14

Medicare/Medicare A program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Medicaid/Medicare is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income in the United States. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states. Among the groups of people served by Medicaid are eligible low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Being poor, or even very poor, does not necessarily qualify an individual for Medicaid. by Janie S. Torain15

Sources by Janie S. Torain16