Labor Laws Resource Center
Labor laws establish the legal standards that govern the relationship between employers and employees. They regulate wages, hours worked, workplace safety, employee leave, child labor, collective bargaining, and many other aspects of employment.
Some labor laws apply nationwide, while others vary from state to state. In many cases, state laws provide employees with greater protections than federal law.
This Labor Laws Resource Center explains the major federal labor laws, state employment laws, and the agencies responsible for enforcing them. Whether you’re researching a specific law or trying to understand your rights at work, the guides below provide an overview of the laws that shape today’s workplace.
Table of Contents
Federal Labor Laws
Federal labor laws establish the minimum workplace standards that apply across the United States. Most employers must comply with these laws, although coverage may depend on factors such as the size of the business, the type of work performed, or the employee’s classification.
Articles
- What Is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?
- What Is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
- What Is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act)?
- What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
- What Is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?
- What Is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?
- What Is the Equal Pay Act?
- What Is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act?
- What Is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act?
- What Is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act?
- What Is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)?
- What Is the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)?
- What Is the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act?
- What Is the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)?
- What Is the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)?
- What Is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
- What Is COBRA?
- What Is ERISA?
Wage & Hour Laws
Wage and hour laws establish minimum standards for employee pay, overtime compensation, recordkeeping, and hours worked. Most of these protections come from the Fair Labor Standards Act, although many states have enacted more generous wage laws.
Articles
- Federal Minimum Wage Laws
- Overtime Laws Explained
- Time-and-a-Half Pay
- Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees
- Employee Classification Under the FLSA
- Hours Worked Under Federal Law
- Wage Theft Laws
- Off-the-Clock Work
- Tipped Employee Laws
- Child Labor Wage Rules
Leave Laws
Federal and state laws provide employees with legal protections when they need time away from work for family, medical, military, voting, jury service, or other qualifying reasons. While some leave laws require employers to provide unpaid leave, others mandate paid leave in certain states or circumstances.
Articles
- FMLA Explained
- Paid Family Leave Laws
- Sick Leave Laws
- Military Leave Laws (USERRA)
- Jury Duty Leave Laws
- Voting Leave Laws
- Pregnancy Leave Laws
- Bereavement Leave Laws
- School Activities Leave Laws
Workplace Safety Laws
Workplace safety laws require employers to provide employees with a safe and healthy work environment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces many of these protections, while states may have additional safety requirements.
Articles
- OSHA Explained
- OSHA Standards
- OSHA Inspections
- OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
- Hazard Communication Standard
- Workplace Injury Reporting Laws
- Whistleblower Protections Under OSHA
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Federal employment discrimination laws prohibit employers from making employment decisions based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, sex, age, disability, and national origin. Many states also prohibit discrimination based on additional protected classes.
Articles
- Title VII Explained
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Equal Pay Act
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
Labor Relations Laws
Labor relations laws govern unions, collective bargaining, strikes, protected concerted activity, and other aspects of employer-employee relations. These laws are primarily enforced by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Articles
- National Labor Relations Act
- What Is Collective Bargaining?
- Union Organizing Rights
- Protected Concerted Activity
- Right-to-Work Laws Explained
- Union Dues Explained
Child Labor Laws
Federal and state child labor laws regulate the minimum age for employment, the number of hours minors may work, and the occupations that are prohibited for young workers.
Articles
- Federal Child Labor Laws
- Minimum Age to Work
- Hours Minors Can Work
- Hazardous Occupations for Minors
- Work Permits Explained
Employee Benefits Laws
Several federal laws regulate employee benefit plans, health insurance continuation, retirement plans, and other workplace benefits.
Articles
- What Is ERISA?
- What Is COBRA?
- Health Insurance Continuation Rights
- Retirement Plan Protections
- Pension Laws Explained
State Labor Laws
Although federal law establishes minimum protections, every state has its own labor laws governing wages, meal and rest breaks, paid leave, final paychecks, child labor, and other employment issues. In many cases, employers must follow whichever law provides employees with the greatest protection.
Articles
- Pennsylvania Labor Laws
- California Labor Laws
- Texas Labor Laws
- Florida Labor Laws
- New York Labor Laws
- Illinois Labor Laws
- Ohio Labor Laws
Labor Law Enforcement
Labor laws are enforced by federal and state agencies that investigate complaints, conduct workplace inspections, and ensure employers comply with employment regulations. Understanding which agency enforces a particular law can help employees resolve workplace issues more effectively.
Articles
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
- State Labor Departments
Learn More About Labor Laws
Labor laws continue to evolve as Congress, state legislatures, federal agencies, and the courts create new workplace protections and interpret existing laws. This resource center is regularly updated to help employees, employers, and job seekers understand the laws that govern the modern workplace and stay informed about changes that may affect their rights and responsibilities.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this Labor Laws Resource Center is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Employment laws frequently change through new legislation, court decisions, and regulatory updates, and the information on this website may not reflect the most recent legal developments.
Labor laws vary by state, and your legal rights and obligations may depend on the specific facts of your situation. Reading the information on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor should it be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified employment law attorney or other legal professional.
While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, we cannot guarantee that all content is complete, current, or applicable to your particular circumstances. If you have questions about your legal rights or are involved in a workplace dispute, you should consult a licensed attorney or contact the appropriate federal or state agency responsible for enforcing labor laws.
By using this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for evaluating the accuracy and applicability of the information provided and that any actions you take based on this content are at your own risk. Please read our Terms and Conditions.