Glossary Of Labor And Employment Law Terms
Labor & Employment Law Glossary
The following is a glossary of Labor and Employment Law terms:
- At-Will Employment
An employment relationship where either the employer or employee can terminate employment at any time, for any legal reason, unless restricted by contract or law
- Collective Bargaining
Negotiations between an employer and a group of employees (usually represented by a union) to agree on wages, benefits, and working conditions
- Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
A contract resulting from collective bargaining that outlines employment terms for unionized employees
- Discrimination
Unfair treatment of employees or applicants based on protected characteristics, such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin
- EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)
The principle that all employees and job applicants should be treated fairly without discrimination under federal or state law
- Employment-at-Will Exception
Legal limits on at-will employment, e.g., terminations prohibited by anti-discrimination laws or public policy
- Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employee
Exempt = Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Non-Exempt = Eligible for overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40/week
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Federal law providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family or medical reasons
- Harassment
Unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment
- Independent Contractor
A worker who performs services under a contract, not considered an employee; typically responsible for their own taxes and benefits
- Labor Union
An organization representing employees in bargaining with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions
- National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
Federal law protecting employees' rights to organize, form unions, and engage in collective bargaining
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations
- Overtime
Compensation for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek (or as defined by law) for non-exempt employees
- Protected Class
Groups of people legally protected from discrimination, including race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, and others depending on law
- Retaliation
Employer actions that punish employees for exercising their legal rights, such as filing complaints about discrimination or safety violations
- Right-to-Work Laws
State laws that prohibit requiring employees to join a union or pay union fees as a condition of employment
- Sexual Harassment
A form of workplace harassment involving unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1964)
Federal law prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- Wage and Hour Laws
Regulations covering minimum wage, overtime, meal/rest breaks, and recordkeeping
- Worker Classification
Determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor, which affects benefits, taxes, and labor protections
- Workers' Compensation
State-mandated insurance providing benefits to employees injured or made ill by workplace conditions
- Whistleblower Protection
Laws protecting employees who report illegal, unsafe, or unethical practices by employers
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