What Are the Seven Main Categories of Employees’ Rights?

Annie Spratt Sggw4 QDD54 Unsplash

Employees have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully in the workplace under protections from both federal and state laws. Knowing your rights as an employee can help ensure that you are treated fairly and given the respect and dignity you deserve. This blog post will discuss the seven main categories of employee rights and what protections they provide.

The Right to a Safe Workplace

Employees have the right to work in an environment that is safe, healthy, and free from hazards. Employers must provide adequate training and resources to ensure employees can work safely and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. They must also provide clear safety protocols and procedures to help protect their employees from harm.

The Right to Fair Pay

Employees are legally entitled to receive fair pay for their work. All employers must adhere to their country or state’s applicable minimum wage requirements. Additionally, employers must ensure that employees are paid the same as their counterparts doing similar work.

The Right to Privacy

Employees have the right to privacy in the workplace, including confidentiality of information, personal conversations, and emails. Employers must ensure that any private data collected is kept secure and used for legitimate purposes,

The Right to Freedom from Discrimination

Employees have the right to be free from discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other protected class. It is illegal for employers to take action against an employee because of any of these characteristics.

Discrimination can take many forms, such as:

  • Denying promotions or pay increases due to discrimination
  • Firing someone based on their protected class
  • Making decisions about hiring and firing based on race or gender
  • Harassing employees based on their protected status

The Right to Freedom from Harassment

Employees have the right to be free from harassment in the workplace. Harassment includes verbal abuse, physical or sexual advances, or humiliation. All employees should feel safe and respected in their working environment, and employers should have procedures in place to address any form of harassment immediately.

The Right to Family Leave

Employees have the right to take time off to care for a family member or to bond with a new child. This right is protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. The FMLA also provides job protection while an employee is on leave. When they return from leave, employers must reinstate them to the same or equivalent position.

The Right to Join a Union

Employees can form or join a union and bargain collectively with their employer. Unions can provide legal support and assistance to employees facing workplace issues such as discrimination, harassment, and unfair termination.

Contact an Employment Law Attorney Today

If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, you might feel shocked, fearful, or angry. You probably also feel isolated. Don’t try to handle this difficult chapter of your work life on your own. An experienced Decatur, GA, employment law attorney can help.

In our initial meeting, we’ll listen to your story carefully and lay out your available legal options. We’ll provide support during the course of your claim or lawsuit. With years of experience in wage and hour claims, payroll disputes, and other employment law-related cases, we have the knowledge and skill to pursue the results you need. Call our Decatur employment law attorneys today at 877-615-9495 for a consultation.