Employment law

Employment law shapes the relationship between employers and employees, setting out key rights and responsibilities for both parties. The legal landscape is complex, with federal, state and local rules all playing a role – often varying depending on an organization’s business size, industry, and location.

While some employment laws are designed to protect employees, others make it possible for employers to effectively manage their workforce.

Federal employment law is composed of a complex set of rules made up of various components, such as:

  • Executive Orders
  • Statutes
  • Regulations
  • Agency interpretive materials and opinions; and
  • Case law

In the United States, these laws are enforced by agencies including the Department of Labor (DOL)Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Various employment laws provide employees with certain rights, such as the right to:

  • Be paid fair wages
  • A safe workplace
  • A workplace free from discrimination and harassment; and
  • File complaints against an employer without fear of retaliation

Employers must follow the letter and spirit of the law throughout the employment life cycle, from recruiting to termination.

Explore our employment law resources

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HR News

Maryland enacts new labor‑friendly laws

This article explains two new Maryland laws that expand protections for employees related to workplace meetings on religious …

HR News

ICE raises the stakes for I-9 mistakes

This article explains recent changes by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that reclassify certain Form I‑9 errors …

HR News

New Jersey adopts strict “ABC test” for independent contractors

This article explains New Jersey’s new regulations strengthening the “ABC test” for independent contractor classification and outlines how …

HR News

Maine enacts pay transparency law

This article explains Maine’s new pay transparency law requiring employers to include pay ranges in job postings and …

HR News

DOJ shifts approach to medical marijuana

This article explains the DOJ’s reclassification of certain medical marijuana products as Schedule III substances and outlines how …

HR News

DOL looks to “simplify” joint employment

The DOL has proposed a new joint employment rule that would clarify how employers are assessed under the …

HR News

Federal contractors must agree not to engage in “racially discriminatory” DEI

A new executive order requires federal contractors to certify they do not engage in racially discriminatory DEI practices, …

HR News

Major employment law changes coming to Washington State

Washington State has enacted a slate of new employment laws covering issues such as employee microchip privacy, wage-theft …

HR News

6th circuit limits NLRB’s ability to compel union bargaining

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has become the first federal appeals court to reject the NLRB’s use …

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