Chapter 5 Work Laws & Responsibilities

Employment Laws Enacted by Congress Enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor Protects workers from: ▫Discrimination ▫Unfair Labor Practices ▫Unsafe Working Conditions

Minimum Wage Established by the Fair Labor Standards Act Since 2009 Federal Minimum Wage: $7.25 New Jersey Minimum Wage: $7.25 Also establishes overtime rate of pay ▫1 ½ times your hourly rate ▫Kicks in for hours worked above 40 hours/week

Employment Laws Social Security Act ▫Provides the following:  Old Age Retirement Income  Survivorship Income  Disability Income  Health Insurance

Employment Laws Unemployment InsuranceWorker’s Compensation Required under Social Security Act Provides income to workers who lose their jobs THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN Requirements: ▫Must have worked for certain period of time (Ex: 6 months ) ▫Benefits are paid on a limited number of weeks (Ex: 26 weeks) Insurance required by law Provided by employer Benefits paid to employees/families who, as a result from the job,: ▫Become ill ▫Injuries ▫Death Regardless of who is at fault

Employment Laws Family & Medical Leave ActOther Laws Allows Employees to take up to 12 weeks of UNPAID leave in a 12 month period For Certain Medical & Family Situations ▫Birth/Adoption Child ▫Care of immediate family members with serious medical conditions ▫Care of self Equal Pay Act Civil Rights Act Age Discrimination Act Americans with Disabilities Act

W-4 Form Informs employer how much tax to withhold from paycheck Withholdings are based onthe number of allowances claimed The more allowances claimed, the LESSn tax withheld

Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form ▫Verifies Identity ▫Verifies Eligibility to work in the US ▫Must provide multiple forms of ID  Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Passport, etc.

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