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Showing posts with the label Labor Law

Understanding Overtime Laws in the U.S.

If you're a non-exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you're entitled to overtime pay for working more than 40 hours in a week. ✅ What Counts as Overtime? Any work beyond 40 hours per week Overtime pay = 1.5x regular hourly rate Some states also require daily overtime (e.g., over 8 hrs/day) ✅ Who Is Eligible? Most hourly employees are eligible unless: You are salaried and meet exemption criteria (e.g., executive, administrative roles) You're an independent contractor ✅ Common Violations by Employers Misclassifying employees as exempt Paying straight time for overtime hours Forcing off-the-clock work ✅ How to Protect Yourself Track your hours independently Speak up if you're not paid fairly File a complaint with your state labor board or the U.S. Department of Labor Conclusion: Knowing your overtime rights ensures you're compensated fairly. Don’t be afraid to assert those rights legally.

Can You Be Fired for No Reason in the U.S.?

Yes, in most states, employees work “ at-will ,” meaning an employer can terminate employment for any reason or no reason at all , as long as it’s not illegal. Exceptions include: Discrimination (race, gender, religion, etc.) Retaliation (e.g., for reporting misconduct) Breach of written contract If you feel you were wrongfully terminated, consider speaking with an employment attorney .

Legal Rights for Undocumented Workers in 2025

Undocumented workers in the U.S. still have basic legal protections , even if their immigration status is not regularized. These rights include: Right to be paid minimum wage Protection from unsafe work conditions (OSHA) Right to unionize Freedom from discrimination and harassment Important Note: While some legal remedies are limited, courts have consistently ruled that undocumented status does not erase workplace rights . Conclusion: All workers, regardless of immigration status, have dignity under the law.

What Is “At-Will Employment” in the U.S.?

In most U.S. states, at-will employment means an employer can fire a worker at any time, for any reason (except illegal ones), and without warning. Likewise, employees can also quit freely. However, there are key exceptions : Discrimination (race, gender, age, etc.) Retaliation for whistleblowing Violation of an employment contract Breach of public policy Conclusion: At-will doesn’t mean lawless — employees still have strong legal protections under federal and state labor laws.

Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws: What Every Worker Should Know

🟢 Introduction Are you being paid fairly for your work? Many employees don’t fully understand their rights when it comes to minimum wage and overtime pay . This guide explains the basics of U.S. wage laws so you can protect your income and report violations with confidence. 💰 1. What Is the Minimum Wage in the U.S.? The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25/hour (as of June 2025). However, many states and cities set higher minimums. For example: California: $16.00/hour New York City: $16.00/hour Florida: $13.00/hour 👉 Always check your state or local laws , which override the federal rate if they are higher. ⏱️ 2. Who Qualifies for Minimum Wage? Most workers are covered, including: Hourly workers Part-time employees Seasonal workers Restaurant staff (with some exceptions for tips) ❗ Tipped employees : Employers can pay as low as $2.13/hour , but total pay (with tips) must reach the full minimum wage. If not, the employer must make up th...

Wrongful Termination: Know Your Rights as an Employee

🟢 Introduction Being fired is never easy—but being fired unfairly or illegally is worse. In the U.S., most employment is “at-will,” but that doesn’t give employers unlimited power. This article explains what wrongful termination means and what steps you can take if you believe your firing was illegal. ⚖️ What Is “At-Will” Employment? Most jobs in the U.S. are “at-will,” meaning: You can quit at any time, And your employer can fire you at any time, …for any reason — or no reason — as long as it’s not illegal. But some reasons are illegal under federal and state law. 🚫 What Counts as Wrongful Termination? Your termination may be wrongful if it involved: 1. Discrimination Fired because of your: Race or ethnicity Gender or sexual orientation Religion Disability Age (40+) National origin → Protected under the Civil Rights Act , ADA , and Age Discrimination in Employment Act . 2. Retaliation You were fired for: Reporting harassment or ...

What Are Your Rights If You're Fired in the U.S.?

Under at-will employment , most U.S. employees can be fired at any time. However, there are legal limits on wrongful termination. You Cannot Be Fired For: Your race, gender, religion, or disability (Title VII, ADA) Reporting workplace violations (whistleblower protections) Taking family or medical leave (FMLA) What to Do If You’re Fired: Ask for a written termination reason File a complaint with the EEOC Contact a labor lawyer ASAP

New Federal Rule Protects Gig Workers’ Benefits

As of June 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor introduced a rule that allows gig workers (such as Uber drivers, Instacart shoppers, and freelancers) to access minimum wage protections and paid sick leave under certain conditions. Highlights: Applies to platforms with 50+ workers Requires transparency in job pricing Employers must report working hours for tax and benefit calculations Impact: This is a major win for the growing gig workforce, which now represents over 36% of U.S. workers .labor law, gig economy, worker rights, Department of Labor, wage protection, sick leave, Uber drivers, gig work regulation, freelance protections

What Every Worker Should Know About Overtime Pay in the U.S.

In June 2025, a federal court has struck down the Department of Labor’s planned increase to overtime salary thresholds, reverting the minimum to the 2019 level of $684/week ($35,568/year). Why this matters: The DOL's July 2024 increase to $844/week and planned January 2025 jump to $1,128/week have been invalidated :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Millions of salaried workers who thought they'd lose overtime protections may now still qualify. What employees should do: Check if your employer changed your classification — permanent salary raises may not apply legally. If denied overtime but working over 40 hours, submit a wage claim with the Department of Labor or your state agency. Keep accurate records (timesheets, emails, texts) to support any later claim. Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

What to Do if Your Employer Doesn’t Pay You on Time

The Biden administration has announced several new immigration measures this month. Most notably, undocumented immigrants with prior deportation orders are now facing stricter enforcement in several states. Key changes: - Increased ICE activity in Texas, Arizona, and Florida - Shorter deadlines for asylum applications - New visa caps for H-2B seasonal workers If you or someone you know may be affected, consult with a licensed immigration attorney. We’ll keep updating as policies evolve.