Blog-Post
Labor laws are put in place to protect you, the employee. They mediate between an employee and their employer should any disputes arise in the workplace. Knowing your rights will prevent you from feeling ill will towards your company. Educate yourself on the labor laws that will impact your career the most.
From safety to compensation questions, labor laws provide guidelines on how to deal with sensitive matters. Every country has its laws, that is why you do your research on how they administer or enforce the labor laws set in place. When joining a company, also do your due diligence if they are a workplace in good standing with labor laws. Cases of abuse will raise red flags. Check out some of the most important universal labor laws you should learn about for a healthy workplace relationship.
Wage and Work Hours Protection
Companies are required to comply with wage standards by law in most countries. Research what is the current minimum wage in your area. Knowing what the minimum wage is, will ensure that you are treated fairly.
If you work a job that usually has you in the office working past your standard hours. It is also crucial that you know the overtime compensation. Do not be shy to ask for a copy of your timesheet from your employer to check that your working hours are properly recorded to ensure fair compensation.
Your break times are also protected by labor laws so, don't ever feel guilty for taking them. Learn what the legal break time is for your working day, and enjoy your rest during a fully loaded day.
Discrimination Protection
It is required by law that a company cannot discriminate against any employee based on age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and disability. Work areas such as hiring, firing, promotions, and wages are under discrimination protection. Everyone should be treated the same in a company. And if you don't feel you are, explore the discrimination laws of your country to determine what line should be your concern.
Safety Protection
As soon as you enter your place of employment, your employer is automatically in charge of your safety. So, should anything happen to you while at work, they can be held responsible. Your employer is responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment.
Depending on your nature of work, you must understand the working conditions provided to you and the safety rights that come with this. For those who work in a field that may evolve heavy equipment or machinery, you can request training on how to work the machines. It is also your right to receive the required safety equipment for protection and ask for a copy of the last inspection of the machinery. Being aware of the risks of your job can prevent any further injuries.
Family and Medical Leave
The company's guidelines on leaves should be shared upon employment. However, checking that it is in line with your country's laws should be on your review. Paid and unpaid leaves due to family reasons are protected by law in most countries. This means that should you be diagnosed with an illness, or someone in your immediate family is diagnosed, you are afforded time off with guaranteed job protection.
Eligibility can be determined by tenure or the number of hours worked in the past year. Exploring these benefits upon employment will allow those who have senior parents, young children, or those with existing medical conditions to be assured of job safety.
Conclusion
Learning the labor laws of your area or country will make you a well-informed employee who can go about their job assured that they are getting the most from their employer. We have only touched on some important labor laws in this article. Should you have time, we suggest that you do further research on laws covering termination, taxes, and even health benefits in your country.
You are not alone in this journey. Being more educated on labor laws also involves a sit-down with your HR representative. As the gatekeepers of a company's rules, they should be able to share with you the rights you have as an employee, and how to enjoy their benefits.
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