Employees have many rights and responsibilities that are enforceable by law. Employee rights protect workers from hazardous workplace conditions, employer discrimination and other circumstances that threaten an employee’s safety and well-being. When it comes to the rights of an employee in the workplace, there are a number of laws to protect employees against mistreatment.
Workplace Safety
Employees have the right to demand a level of safety at work. For instance, working in a factory could present a number of health and safety hazards. If you are ever injured on the job, you should be eligible for medical treatment and compensation through worker’s compensation programs. When you return to work, your employer is required to retain your former job or to provide you with a new job that matches the pay and benefits you had before your injury. Don’t wait to report an injury, as that always makes matters worse.
Rights to Equal Employment Opportunity And No Discrimination
When it comes to rights in the workplace, the right of the employees to enjoy a workplace free from discrimination is a broad subject that is protected by several laws. While discrimination still runs rampant in our society, these measures attempt to level the playing field in the workplace.
Employees have the right to request protection from their employer in the event they feel threatened by a superior, co-worker or client. They also have the right to equal opportunity of workplace benefits, promotions, fair wages and fair treatment without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other characteristic protected by law.
Equal Pay
Equal Pay requires that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work. The jobs don’t need to be identical, but they must be substantially equal. Job content (not job titles) determines whether jobs are substantially equal. All forms of pay are covered by this law, including salary, overtime pay, bonuses, stock options, profit sharing and bonus plans, life insurance, vacation and holiday pay, cleaning or gasoline allowances, hotel accommodations, reimbursement for travel expenses, and benefits.
Right to Access Information
Employees have the right to access and review records and other information. Employees can review their personal files. They may also obtain their medical records as well as have access to employer information with regards to events or changes that can affect the employee’s work environment. Employers must maintain copies of illness and injury records and are to make the documents available to employees that request them at any time.
