Street Law: A Course in Practical Law

Chapter 44: Rights and Responsibilities in the Workplace

Cases and Resources

Looking for a Job
Conditions on the Job
Losing a Job

Looking for a Job
U.S. Department of Labor
Visit the Web site of the U.S. Department of Labor to learn about federal laws and government actions concerning conditions and legislation relating to labor and employment. What are the current issues today?

Labor and Employment Laws: States and Territories
Explore this page to begin comparing state and territory statutes regarding labor and employment laws. Click on the state agency to learn more about anti-discrimination and general employment law in that state.

Job Interview Questions by Career
When interviewing for some types of jobs, there are specific questions that may arise in an interview. Visit this site to learn about questions that may be asked based upon the job. By practicing the answers, you will be ready to do your best.

Interviewing and Job Qualifications
Be aware that only questions that focus on bona fide qualifications for the job may be asked during an interview. Learn the difference between an illegal question meant to discriminate and a legal question meant to determine job qualifications. Explore this list of topics that may arise during a job interview. In the state of Missouri, employer inquiries about certain topics can serve as evidence of employment discrimination.

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
Read this summary of the act. This act relates to immigrant farm workers. What steps should employers take to comply with the act?

Polygraph Protection Act
Examine the full text of the act prohibiting the use of polygraph tests in some situations. When can polygraph tests legally be used?

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Conditions on the Job
Fair Labor Standards Act
Read the full text of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Who is covered by this act? What types of issues does this act address?

Fair Pay and Time Off
Occasionally, employers will try to avoid paying employees what they are entitled to, or will try denying time off from work. This question and answer page addresses the legal concerns over fair pay and time off.

Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 requires some employers to grant time off for employees who bring a new child home or need to care for an ailing relative. From this page, read the full text of the act, review a synopsis, explore frequently asked questions, and understand what an employer must do to comply with the act.

Social Security Online
Social Security, a federal program, is part of the taxes and benefits related to employment. Browse the Social Security Administration's Web site to learn more about this large federal program. Make sure to visit the section just for young people to understand social security.

National Labor Relations Act
Read the full text of the National Labor Relations Act. What are some ways this law protects workers who want to form a union?

National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relations Board is an agency of the federal government that handles union-related complaints, union organization, and employees who need improved working conditions. Browse this site to learn more about labor issues and what unions can and cannot do for members.

Federal Labor Relations Authority
Created by the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, this agency regulates labor-management relations within the federal government.

Occupational Safety and Health Act
Read the full text of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. What should employers do to help employees stay safe on the job?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides information and publications on safety and health issues in the workplace. Browse the articles about current events and news in workplace safety. Learn how employers must comply with safety and health legislation.

Youth Rules!
Young people in the workplace or thinking about searching for a job should use this Department of Labor Web site to learn about the rights of children and teenagers. How are youth treated differently by the law than adults? What can you do if your rights are violated?

Privacy Act of 1974
Read this law protecting the privacy of employees in the workplace. How far does this protection extend?

Privacy Rights in the Workplace
Browse through fact sheets on privacy rights in obtaining a job and as an employer. What information can a company seek about you? What information should remain private?

Skinner v. Railway Labor Executives' Assoc.
Read about the Supreme Court decision to uphold drug and alcohol testing by the federal government after an accident. From this page, you may also listen to the oral arguments, read the full text of the decision, or browse related resources.

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Losing a Job
Employment Contracts
Learn about the different types of contracts that can arise between an employer and an employee. What might an employment contract guarantee an employer or employee?

Provisions in Employment Contracts
Contracts for employment may contain provisions about hours, pay, benefits, bonuses, or duration of employment. Learn about the different provisions that might be written into an employment contract.

Employment Law: Firing
Firing of employees is illegal if it is based on race, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, or physical disability. From this site, learn more about when a firing practice is illegal or legal.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
This law requires employers of 20 or more employees to let terminated employees continue their health insurance under the employer's group health plan. What other rights does it grant to employees?

Unemployment Compensation Law
Read an overview of unemployment compensation law. What types of cases arise under this area of law? Click on the resources on the right side of the page to learn more about federal and state law, federal and court cases, or related documents.

Unemployment: By State
Click on each state to learn the specific unemployment laws and benefits of that state. Compare your state to others. How do the laws vary?

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