Workplace Legal Matters

Terms Affirmative action – a government plan to provide access to jobs for people who have suffered discrimination in the past Civil law – applies to conflicts between private parties, concerning rights and obligations Compensatory time – time off work instead of money for working overtime Criminal law – when the government brings an indictment against a person or business

Terms Cont’d Discrimination – unequal treatment based on such factors as race, religion, nationality, gender, age, or physical appearance Misdemeanor – shoplifting is an example Sexual harassment – an unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature Summons – an order to appear in court

Labor Laws Laws that govern the workplace are often called labor laws. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 regulated child labor and set the minimum wage. A law that protects the rights of people with conditions such as blindness is the Americans with Disabilities Act of The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1990 was designed to combat illegal immigration.

Representing Workers Labor unions organize and bargain for the rights of employees. When labor unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers, they are engaging in collective bargaining.

Discrimination It is illegal to discriminate against a person because of his or her race. In 1963, a major anti-discrimination law was passed requiring males and females to be paid the same amount for doing the same job. This law is known as The Equal Pay Act.

Equal Rights on the Job If an employee is a victim of sexual harassment, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will provide assistance.

The Legal Battlefield Divorce, breach of contract, and personal injury cases are example of civil cases. Mediation is a process in which you and your opponent talk to each other and reach a compromise. In criminal cases, the government presents a list of charges, also called an indictment, against a person or business accused of a crime. Opponents in a civil case often come to a mutual agreement, or settlement, of their dispute. Small claims courts do not require lawyers to handle the minor disputes and small claims on debts.

Using Legal Services The Legal Aid Society provides low-cost or free legal services. Some lawyers, instead of charging a set price, work for a contingency fee, or a percentage of any money won in the lawsuit.