Glossary Of Labor And Employment Law Terms
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.
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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