Work Laws and Responsibilities Chapter 5 Work Laws and Responsibilities

Lesson 5.1 Work-Related Forms and Laws I. Required Work Forms A. Form W-4 1. Determines the amount your employer will withhold from your paycheck for taxes 2. Allowances—reduce the amount of tax withheld, if you have too little withheld, you will owe money at the end of the year 3. Exempt status—applies to people who will not earn enough to owe any federal income tax. No money is withheld for fed inc taxes

B. Social Security Forms 1. Your social security number is your permanent work identification number 2. Employers withhold SS taxes from your pay and contribute matching amounts (7.65% + 7.65%) 3. Check occasionally to see that your earnings are credited to your account

C. Work Permit Application 1. Minors—people under the age of adulthood 2. Minors must obtain a work permit before they are allowed to work

D. Form W-2 1. A summary of the income you earned and taxes that were withheld 2. Compare your W-2 to your last check of the year to be sure it is accurate 3. Must receive your W-2 by January 31 4. You must file your W-2 forms with your tax return

II. Employment Laws A. Dept of Labor is responsible for enforcing labor laws that: 1. Provide unemployment, disability, and retirement insurance benefits 2. Establish a minimum wage and regular working hours 3. Help workers injured on the job

4. Provide equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination 5. Establish safe working conditions

B. Laws covering minors specify 1. More extensive safety precautions and working conditions 2. Max hours and times minors can work during school year 3. Work permit

C. Social Security Act—established. a national social insurance that C. Social Security Act—established a national social insurance that provides federal aid for the elderly and disabled. Medicare was added in 1965. D. Unemployment Compensation— provides benefits to workers who lose their job through no fault of their own

E. Fair Labor Standards Act 1. Establishes a minimum wage 2. Requires overtime wages (1.5 X) for >40 hours/week 3. 1938--.25/hour 4. 1994--$5.15/hour 5. 2011--$7.25/hour

F. Workers’ Compensation—. insurance program that pays F. Workers’ Compensation— insurance program that pays benefits to workers and their families for injury, illness, or death that occurs as a result of the job G. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)—allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for certain medical and family situations

H. Laws Against Discrimination in Employment 1. Equal Pay Act—Prohibits unequal pay for men and women doing similar work 2. Civil Rights Act of 1964—Prohibits discrimination in hiring, training, and promotion based on race, color, gender, religion, or national origin.

3. Age Discrimination in Employment. Act—prohibits discrimination in 3. Age Discrimination in Employment Act—prohibits discrimination in employment decisions against people age 40 and over 4. American with Disabilities Act— Prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disabilities

Lesson 5.2 Responsibilities on the Job

A. Employee Responsibilities 1. Responsibilities to Employers a. Competent Work—work needs to be marketable b. Punctuality—be on time, don’t abuse breaks c. Pleasant Attitude—be pleasant and easy to get along with d. Loyalty and Respect—respect the company on and off the job e. Dependability—follow through

Employee Responsibilities f. Initiative—recognize what needs to be done and do it g. Interest—be enthusiastic about your job h. Self-evaluation—take constructive criticism and assess your own progress

2. Responsibilities to Other Employees a. Teamwork—work cooperatively b. Thoughtfulness—be considerate, have a pleasant attitude c. Loyalty—do not spread rumors about co-workers

3. Responsibilities to Customers a. Helpfulness—reflects well on the company b. Courtesy and respect—customer pays your wages, without them, the business could not exist

B. Employer Responsibilities 1. Adequate supervision—provide appropriate training, communication 2. Fair Human Policies—see Employee Handbook: Should spell out policies on hiring, firing, raises, advancement, dispute resolution 3. Safe Working Conditions—safe equipment, environment, training

Employer Responsibilities 4. Open Channels of Communication— express concerns, ask questions, make suggestions 5. Recognition of Achievement— reward for above-average performance motivates workers 6. Compliance with Employment Laws

C. Sexual Harassment 1. Any unwelcome advance, request for sexual favors, offensive verbal or physical conduct 2. All employees should be aware of what sexual harassment is and how to avoid it a. Don’t tell inappropriate jokes or engage in suggestive behavior b. Always dress and act professionally c. Do not contribute to the situation

Summary Form W-4 determines the amount your employer will withhold from your paycheck for taxes Your contributions to social security throughout your work life determine the payments you will receive during retirement If you are under age 18, you will need a work permit to hold a job

Summary Form W-2 summarizes wages and amounts withheld for taxes that year The Fair Labor Standards Act sets a minimum wage and overtime pay Workers’ compensation pays benefits for injury, illness, or death resulting from the job The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take unpaid leave for family and medical reasons

Summary The Equal Pay Act, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act protect employees from discrimination Your responsibilities to your employer include competent work, a pleasant attitude, punctuality, loyalty, dependability, initiative, interest, and self-evaluation Your responsibilities to your co-workers include teamwork, thoughtfulness, and loyalty

Summary Your responsibilities to customers include helpfulness, courtesy, and respect Your employer is responsible for giving you good supervision, safe working conditions, fair policies, open communications, rewards, and compliance with employment laws