Working a job is something we all have to do at one point or another, and not every employer runs their operation by the book. Work is work, and sometimes things go awry.
It’s important that you fully understand the bounds of your legal rights as an employee, so you don’t ever get the proverbial short end of the stick.
Take a moment to read through a brief overview of a few vital legal tips for workers, and make sure you’re being treated fairly according to the law.
Understand what to do if you’re injured on the job
If you get hurt at work, the responsibility falls on your employer. Legally, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover the cost of your injuries, recovery, and possible unemployment.
The key point to remember about dealing with a work injury is that you have to be completely transparent in everything you do following the accident. For starters, you have to file an injury report within the first 24 hours, and be able to pass a drug test to prove that the fault was not your own.
Don’t allow your employer to discriminate against you
In the United States, there are laws protecting individuals who deviate from social norms. Employers are not allowed to discriminate against you based on your race, religion, sexuality, and a long list of other human characteristics.
If you feel like you were denied employment or fired for any of the reasons stated by federal law, then you may need to hire a lawyer to look after your legal rights.
Unemployment compensation terms for employees
If you’ve been working a job for quite some time, there’s still no promise that you’ll have it tomorrow. When you lose your job unexpectedly, the government provides legal bounds for workers to be financially compensated for their efforts.
Delve into the full breadth of the law in terms of unemployment, and use your knowledge to keep the paychecks rolling.
Understand the Family Medical Leave Act
The Family Medical Leave Act is in place to protect your employment position while you are experiencing a family emergency. If someone passes away in your family, you have the legal right to take some time off of work without losing your job.
Know the bounds of Whistleblower protections
You may find yourself in the position to really blow the lid off of some corrupt business actions. Becoming a whistleblower puts you in the line of fire, but federal law will protect you on many fronts. If you have evidence that your employer is conducting business outside the lines of the law, it’s your responsibility to blow that whistle.