Important Employment and Labor Law Provisions in Los Angeles

In the United States, the Department of Labor takes charge in implementing above 180 laws that are related to employment. Hence, if you are working in Los Angeles, California, you might as well be covered by these provisions, which possibly give you rights and privileges as well as set rules in various aspects of labor and employment.

This is the main reason why it is indeed important for all the employers and employees to understand some basic principles of the Employment and Labor Laws. By having knowledge about it, you will be more familiar with the procedures on how to handle any violation. Yet, you may still depend on the expertise of Los Angeles Employment and Labor Law attorneys if, still, you find it hard to handle your situation.

Major Laws Intended for Labor and Employment

The following law provisions commonly apply to employers, employees, retirees, job seekers and other individuals or parties who play a part in the employment sector. This summary is intended to lay down some important information regarding labor law compliance and privileges. For a detailed knowledge about these laws, better read the whole provisions or have a consultation with your employment attorney in Los Angeles.

Workplace Safety and Health

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers have the general obligation to provide their workers with jobs and workplaces, which are free from any identifiable and serious risks. Any violation regarding this provision may be brought up to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is the agency tasked to implement injunctions for such non-compliances among the public sector employees.

Worker’s Compensation

Federal employees may take the advantage of benefits payments due to loss of wages caused by their total or partial disability. This also includes payments to cover other related medical expenses and vocational rehabilitation. The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act applies to those workers who have obtained disability or died in performing their duties.

Among other statutes related to Worker’s Compensation are:

• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act – maritime employees

• Energy Employees Illness Compensation Program Act – Department of Energy employees

• Black Lung Benefits Act – coal miners

Wages and Hours

The Fair Labor Standards Act covers both private and public employers. This particular law sets the standard of paying wages as well as overtime hours for covered workers. Added details about this statute may be obtained from the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration, which administers the act.

Employee Benefits Security

Another useful law that regulates pension and welfare benefit plans offered by employers to their workers is the Employee Retirement Income Security Act or commonly known as ERISA Law. This requires various conditions regarding employees’ pension and welfare benefit plans and other related issues. The agency regulating this act is the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Family and Medical Leave Act

This Labor Law provision compel all employers with at least 50 workers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to qualified employees without the threat of reassignment to other job position. Employees may take their unpaid leave for these causes:

• Giving birth

• Taking care of a newborn or adopted child

• Caring for spouse, children or parents having serious illness

These are just some of the important Employment and Labor Laws. If you feel that your employer has violated any of these provisions, act immediately and seek the aid of your Los Angeles Employment and Labor Law attorneys. You may be entitled of compensatory damages or recoveries.