Laws About the Workplace Section 12.1 Laws About the Workplace

How labor laws and organizations affect the workplace WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How labor laws and organizations affect the workplace The ways in which antidiscrimination laws protect workers continued

How to recognize sexual harassment and take action against it WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to recognize sexual harassment and take action against it

All employees deserve fair treatment and equal rights on the job. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT All employees deserve fair treatment and equal rights on the job.

collective bargaining discrimination affirmative action KEY TERMS minimum wage compensatory time collective bargaining discrimination affirmative action sexual harassment

Labor Laws Labor laws are designed to protect you from unfair treatment on the job. It is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities concerning labor laws.

Labor Laws In 1938, the federal government passed the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This act established a minimum wage. continued

Labor Laws Minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that an employer can legally pay for a worker’s services.

Labor Laws The FLSA set the 40-hour workweek and created the practice of overtime. When they work overtime, workers may receive compensatory time (paid time off from work) instead of overtime pay.

Labor Laws Child labor laws are another product of the FLSA. The FLSA set the minimum age for factory workers at 16.

The Organization of Labor Unions The Wagner Act of 1935 (also called the National Labor Relations Act) made it legal to organize labor unions and engage in union activity.

The Organization of Labor Unions The Wagner Act established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB is an independent judicial agency.

The Organization of Labor Unions The NLRB is responsible for determining whether workers wish to be unionized. It also investigates charges of unfair labor practices.

Representing Workers Labor unions represent workers in their dealings with employers. Unions negotiate with employers through collective bargaining. continued

Representing Workers Collective bargaining uses the power of numbers (the many workers in a union) to negotiate for better wages, increased benefits, better working conditions, and other job improvements.

Representing Workers If a union cannot reach an agreement with company management, it may use its most powerful tool—a strike. When workers strike, they stop working in an effort to force an employer to agree to the union’s terms.

Representing Workers A labor contract is a legal agreement between the union and an employer. It specifies wages, work hours, working conditions, benefits, and grievance procedures.

Unions at Work If you join a union, you will be asked to pay an initiation fee and regular dues.

Unions at Work Consider these factors before joining a union: the cost of membership, the union’s track record, and the benefits provided to members.

Unemployment insurance State laws provide for unemployment insurance to help workers cope with the loss of a job. Unemployment insurance provides temporary funds to help you get back on your feet.

Unemployment Insurance The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 allows employees at companies with more than 50 employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave for family or personal medical care or for the birth or adoption of a child.

Drawing the Line The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1990 makes it very difficult for illegal immigrants to find work. Businesses can face huge fines if they break this law.

Discrimination Discrimination is unequal treatment based on such factors as race, religion, nationality, gender, age, or physical appearance.

Major Antidiscrimination Laws The Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, or gender.

Major Antidiscrimination Laws The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 makes it illegal to discriminate against people over age 40 in hiring, promoting, or firing employees.

Major Antidiscrimination Laws The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protect the right of individuals with disabilities such as blindness, visual or hearing impairments, mental illness, or paralysis.

Major Antidiscrimination Laws Some employers are allowed to hire people of a selected age, appearance, or gender if this is necessary for the job. Models and actors, for example, may need to be a particular age or gender.

Major Antidiscrimination Laws Affirmative action is action to give a fair chance to those who have suffered discrimination in the past.

Major Antidiscrimination Laws Sometimes, affirmative action plans set numerical goals for the hiring of ethnic minorities, women, or people with disabilities.

Equal Rights on the Job The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires equal pay for equal work, regardless of who you are.

Labor Laws Graphic Organizer 12.1 Labor and Wages Fair Labor Standards Act Equal Pay Act Legalized Unions Wagner Act Unemployment Insurance Family and Medical Leave Act Discrimination Civil Rights Act Age Discrimination Act Rehabilitation Act Americans with Disabilities Act Chapter 12 • Workplace Legal Matters Succeeding in the World of Work

Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature.

Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment may include: jokes, gestures, repeated or threatening requests for dates, and unwanted touching.

Sexual Harassment If you are the victim of sexual harassment: Immediately tell the person to stop. Be clear and direct with your request. Don’t assume it will stop if you ignore it. continued

Sexual Harassment Write down what happened, noting the date, time, and place. Include the names of any witnesses. Inform a trusted supervisor or human resource officer of the incident. continued

Sexual Harassment If the issue is not resolved within your company, inform your local human rights office or the office of the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

CAREER CHECKLIST Know your rights. When Protecting Your Legal Interests… Know your rights. Voice any legal concerns immediately to protect yourself. Support others who are fighting legal battles, but don’t take on their battle as your own. continued

CAREER CHECKLIST When Protecting Your Legal Interests… Investigate all of your options before threatening legal action. Avoid denial—if an uncomfortable situation seems to violate your rights, it probably does!

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 12.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension Describe one law that is designed to establish and maintain fairness in the workplace. continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 12.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension How do employers benefit from hiring people over 40? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 12.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension How does sexual harassment create problems in the workplace? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 12.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Critical Thinking What actions would you take if you felt you were being discriminated against on the job?

Laws About the Workplace End of Section 12.1 Laws About the Workplace