Does OSHA require employee breaks?

OSHA is part of the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for assuring safe and healthful working conditions for employees. However, OSHA has no regulations or standards that require an employer to provide employees with rest breaks or meal breaks.

What happens if an employer violates federal labor laws?

Violations can include interfering with the rights of employees to act together, wage violations, failure to maintain a safe work environment, and failure to provide mandated leave. Employers can face severe penalties and fines for violating federal labor laws. Employers may even be required to pay an employee back pay.

Can a federal employee refuse to break the law?

There may be several protections available to employees who refuse to commit crimes at the directive of their employer. Federal employees are protected by the federal whistleblower statute. Many states have passed similar laws that pertain to state government or even private businesses.

Is it illegal for an employer to discriminate against a new employee?

It is also illegal for an employer to recruit new employees in a way that discriminates against them because of their race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

What happens if an employer violates the minimum wage?

For example, according to the Department of Labor, employers who willfully violate minimum wage laws may be liable for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation. Violations of child labor protections carry a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per employee subject to a violation.

When does an employer violate an employee’s rights?

Because employment law is so complicated, employees often don’tknow what their rights are regarding vacation, comp time, commissions, etc. In fact, some employees don’t even know when an employer violates a workplace law.

How can I find out if my employer is violating federal law?

These can give you more information about several federal employment laws. Contact your State Department of Labor Office for information about employment laws impacting your state. Ask your human resources office or labor union for clarification of any employer policies as a first option to redress any grievances.

Can a company be guilty of violating labor laws?

Rightly or wrongly, most employees believe that their employers have a handle on labor laws. In practice, however, thousands of companies are guilty of violating labor and wage laws every day. Ultimately, it’s on you, the worker, to make sure your rights are not being infringed upon.

What happens if an employer violates child labor laws?

Violations of child labor protections carry a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per employee subject to a violation. Depending on the specific compliance requirement, employees may also be entitled to back pay, the value of lost benefits, and interest payments.