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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Commentary and Insights

5 things to know about the independent contractor rule

The US Department of Labor (DOL) independent contractor rule it set to bring notable changes to worker classification. …

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How employers can respond to new DEI legal issues

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Biden executive order on AI calls for regulation

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California workplace violence prevention plan bill, S.B. 553, signed

California's workplace violence prevention plan bill, S.B. 553, has become the law. Employers will be required to create …

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Q&A: How employers can navigate the NLRB’s Stericycle decision

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Vermont Child Care Contribution tax enacted

The Vermont Child Care Contribution tax is set to take effect July 1, 2024. Vermont will be the …

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Supreme Court affirmative action ruling: Will it stifle DEI programs?

The Supreme Court affirmative action ruling has ended the long-standing policy in higher education admissions. It sent shockwaves …

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Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action could impact DEI efforts

The Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action holds that consideration of race in university admissions is unconstitutional. Employer …

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New preemployment drug test laws in Minnesota and Washington

A growing number of states are restricting employers from testing job applicants or employees for marijuana.

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