Labor & Employment Glossary of Terms

Labor & Employment refers to the laws and practices governing the relationship between employers, employees, and labor organizations.

The following is a glossary of Labor & Employment Law Terms.

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• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  
  A federal law requiring reasonable accommodations for qualified indiviuals with disabilities.

• Arbitration

  
  A process for resolving disputes outside of court.

• At-Will Employment

  
  An employment relationship in which either the employer or employee may end employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless limited by law or contract.

• COBRA

  
  COBRA is a federal law allowing temporary continuation of group health coverage after employment ends.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

  
  A contract between an employer and a union outlining wages, hours, and working conditions.

• Compliance

  
  Adherence to applicable labor and employment laws and regulations.

• Concerted Activity

  
  Employee actions taken together to improve working conditions.

• Confidentiality Agreement

  
  An agreement requiring protection of sensitive information.

• Discrimination

  
  Unlawful adverse treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, age, or disability.

• Due Process

  
  Fair treatment of employees in disciplinary and investigatory actions.

• Employee

  
  An individual who performs services for an employer and is subject to the employer’s control.

• Employee Handbook

  
  A document outlining workplace policies and expectations.

• Employment Agreement

  
  A written contract outlining the terms and conditions of employment.

• Exempt Employee

  
  An employee not entitled to overtime pay under wage-and-hour laws.

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

  
  A federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime, and child labor standards.

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

  
  A federal law providing eligible employees with job-protected unpaid leave for qualifying reasons.

• Grievance

  
  A formal complaint filed under a collective bargaining agreement.

• Harassment

  
  Unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile work environment.

• Independent Contractor

  
  A worker who provides services but is not considered an employee and is responsible for their own taxes and benefits.

• Mediation

  
  A voluntary process using a neutral third party to help resolve disputes.

• Minimum Wage

  
  The lowest hourly wage permitted by law.

• Misclassification

  
  Improperly classifying a worker as an independent contractor or exempt employee.

• National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

  
  A federal law protecting employees' rights to engage in concerted activity.

• Non-Compete Agreement

  
  An agreement restricting an employee's ability to work for competitors after employment.

• Non-Exempt Employee

  
  An employee entitled to overtime pay.

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

  
  A federal law requiring employers to provide a safe workplace.

• Offer Letter

  
  A document extending a job offer and summarizing key employment terms.

• Overtime

  
  Additional pay required for eligible employees who work beyond standard hour limits.

• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

  
  State programs providing paid leave benefits.

• Pay Equity

  
  Fairness in compensation regardless of protected characteristics.

• Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

  
  A federal law requiring reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related limitations.

• Progressive Discipline

  
  A structured approach to employee discipline using increasing levels of corrective action.

• Protected Class

  
  A group protected by law from discrimination.

• Protected Activity

  
  Legally protected actions such as reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.

• Reasonable Accommodation

  
  A workplace adjustment that allows an employee to perform job duties, required under laws like the ADA and PWFA.

• Reduction in Force (RIF)

  
  Layoffs due to business needs rather than employee performance.

• Retaliation

  
  Adverse action taken because an individual engaged in protected activity.

• Restrictive Covenants

  
  Contractual limits such as non-compete, non-solicitation, or non-disclosure clauses.

• Sexual Harassment

  
  Unwelcome sexual conduct that affects employment conditions or creates a hostile environment.

• Severance Pay

  
  Compensation provided to employees upon separation from employment.

• Unemployment Insurance

  
  State-run benefits providing income to eligible unemployed workers.

• Unfair Labor Practice (ULP)

  
  An action by an employer or union that violates the NLRA.

• Union

  
  An organization representing employees in collective bargaining.

• Wage and Hour Laws

  
  Laws regulating pay practices, timekeeping, and overtime.

• WARN Act

  
  A federal law requiring advance notice of certain mass layoffs or plant closings.

• Whistleblower

  
  An individual who reports suspected illegal or unethical conduct.

• Workers' Compensation

  
  Insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.

• Wrongful Termination

  
  An unlawful termination that violates law, contract, or public policy.

For More Information About Labor & Employment Law Terms:

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