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Search Super Lawyers [](https://www.superlawyers.com/)  - Find a lawyer - Search legal resources - Search legal answers [Browse all](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/) [Skip to main content](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/#main-content) [Lawyer login](https://my.superlawyers.com/login.html)  [](https://www.superlawyers.com/)  [](https://www.superlawyers.com/) - [Lawyers near me](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/) - [Free legal resources Current page is within this section](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/) - [ Ask a Lawyer Get answers from experienced lawyers to your most pressing legal questions](https://answers.superlawyers.com/) - [ Legal articles Learn more about your issue with helpful articles on a variety of legal topics](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/) For Lawyers - [ Resources For lawyers](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/) - [ Attorney resources hub Helpful information and law practice insights from Super Lawyers](https://www.superlawyers.com/for-lawyers/) - [ Marketing solutions Showcase your selection with valuable Super Lawyers products](https://www.superlawyers.com/marketing-solutions/) - [ Browse attorney profiles Leverage the attorney directory for your referral business](https://profiles.superlawyers.com/) - [ Attorney feature articles Read award-winning articles about the lives and careers of selected attorneys](https://www.superlawyers.com/articles/) - [ Digital magazine Browse the digital versions of Super Lawyers magazine](https://www.superlawyers.com/for-lawyers/digital-magazines/) - [ Frequently asked questions Answers to questions about the selection process, profile updates, and more](https://www.superlawyers.com/about/attorney-faq/) - [Lawyer login - my account](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/) Log in to Super Lawyers to manage your account. - Manage your profile - Nominate your peers - Evaluate lawyers Selectees only: - Upgrade your profile - Purchase marketing solutions [Manage my account](https://my.superlawyers.com/login.html) - [Cart (0)](https://my.superlawyers.com/cart.html)  Open search panel 1. [Home](https://www.superlawyers.com/) 2. [Legal resources](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/) 3. Employment Law - Employee # What Is Employment Law for Employees? By [Super Lawyers staff](https://www.superlawyers.com/editorial-staff/) \| Reviewed by [Canaan Suitt, J.D.](https://www.superlawyers.com/editorial-staff/canaan-suitt/) \| Last updated on July 18, 2025 Employment laws govern the employer-employee relationship from beginning to end. Federal laws set the baseline for employee rights and govern a wide range of issues, including [wage and hour regulations](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wage-and-hour-laws/), [child labor](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-and-labor/child-labor-laws-where-can-teens-legally-work/), [workplace health and safety](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-and-labor/workplace-safety-violations-how-osha-protects-your-rights/), [discrimination](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/discrimination/), and [termination practices](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/). Most state laws for employees add more protections. Many states provide additional protections for workers. Employees should know what to expect from their employer and when to discuss problems with human resources. If there is no internal solution, employees can consider taking legal action. The following is an overview of employment laws and what you can do if your employer violates your rights. [Talk to a local employment law attorney to understand your legal rights and options](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/employment-law-employee/). ## Wage and Hour Laws The [Fair Labor Standards Act](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa) (FLSA) is the federal law that sets minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. The FLSA defines “work” and instructs employers to count work hours. States are free to set their own standards, but they cannot offer less than the FLSA requires. Failing to count hours of work is one of the most common violations of employee rights. If your employer allows you to work beyond your scheduled hours for their benefit, that time counts toward your hours worked. If you work “off the clock” before or after your regular workday, you should be getting paid. Additional federal laws govern wages. For example, the [Equal Pay Act](https://www.eeoc.gov/equal-paycompensation-discrimination) requires employers to pay men and women equally for equal work. The [U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/majorlaws#fmla) (DOL) administers many of the federal statutes governing employment and workplace activities. The [DOL Wage and Hour Division](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd) (WHD) can investigate employers and issue penalties for violating federal employment laws.  ## Fight for Your Employee Rights at Work If your employer is violating your rights, you can find a top employment law attorney near you in the Super Lawyers directory who will stand up for you. [Find a lawyer today](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/) ## Workplace Safety The [Occupational Safety and Health Act](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/oshact/completeoshact), which is enforced by the [Occupational Safety and Health Administration](https://www.osha.gov/) (OSHA), gives you the right to a workplace free of health and safety hazards. OSHA or an OSHA-approved state plan covers private-sector workers in every state. Under OSHA , you have the right to: - Training in a language you understand - Required safety gear and equipment - Procedures to report an injury or illness - Request an OSHA inspection [Your employer cannot retaliate against you](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/understanding-the-role-of-retaliation-in-wrongful-termination-cases/) for speaking up about your concerns. Your employer also cannot retaliate if you participate in an OSHA investigation. ## Health Care and Retirement Benefits Federal law allows workers to take unpaid time off for covered illnesses or to care for a family member. The [Family and Medical Leave Act](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla) (FMLA) requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave. Leave covers the adoption or birth of a child or for serious illnesses of the employee or close family member. Federal law doesn’t require employers to offer retirement benefits. However, there are minimum standards for most employer retirement and health insurance plans. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) sets standards for employer health and retirement plans. ERISA laws also give employees a cause of action for employer violations. ## Employment Discrimination Several federal laws protect employees from discrimination in the workplace: - **[Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964](https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964).** Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation) and national origin. - **[The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).](https://www.ada.gov/)** Prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person’s disability. Employers must generally provide [reasonable accommodations for workers with a disability](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/requesting-a-reasonable-accommodation/). - **[The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.](https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/genetic-information-nondiscrimination-act-2008)** Prohibits using [genetic information](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/discrimination/what-is-genetic-discrimination/) to make employment decisions. - **[The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).](https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/age-discrimination-employment-act-1967)** Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees 40 or older because of their age. States, counties, and cities have passed their own anti-discrimination legislation and ordinances. Employers may not fire, demote, or refuse to hire someone based on their membership in a protected class. Additionally, employers cannot take adverse employment action against someone who complains about discrimination. The [U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission](https://www.eeoc.gov/) (EEOC) enforces federal anti-discrimination laws. Your state likely has an agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws. If you choose to file a discrimination claim against your employer, you will most likely file with both the EEOC and your state’s agency. ## Sexual Harassment in the Workplace [Sexual harassment](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/sexual-harassment/) is discrimination based on sex. These claims generally falls into two categories: 1. **Quid pro quo.** Involves a supervisor offering better terms or threats in exchange for sexual favors. 2. **Hostile work environment claims.** Severe or ongoing harassment interferes with a worker’s ability to do their job. ## Wrongful Termination Most states are [at-will employment states](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/is-it-legal-to-be-fired-without-notice/), which means your employer can fire you at any time for any reason or no reason. There are some exceptions to this general rule. An employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason, like sexual harassment or discrimination. If you have an employment contract, the contract can control when an employer can terminate your position. ### Unlawful Termination Your [employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-a-wrongful-termination-claim/). Your employer cannot fire you for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason. If you got fired after talking to human resources about harassment, you might have a claim for whistleblower retaliation. The same might be true if you were fired for taking medical leave, sitting on a jury, or taking time off to vote. ### Employment Contracts Sometimes, your [employment contract can override an at-will employment](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/what-is-an-implied-employment-contract-in-wrongful-termination/) relationship. If the employment contract sets out a procedure for discipline and termination, courts will generally expect employers to follow through with those procedures. Check with your employment agreement for grounds for termination. ## Should I Talk to an Employment Lawyer? An employment lawyer can review your employment contract, employee handbook, and timesheets to help you determine your legal options. A lawyer can help you resolve the issue with your employer directly. If you decide to pursue legal action, your lawyer can help you determine what agency should handle your case. A lawyer will anticipate potential problems with your case and advise you on how to approach them. Your lawyer will also keep track of deadlines and file all the paperwork with the necessary courts and agencies, giving you one less thing to worry about. ## Finding the Right Attorney for Your Needs Find the right type of attorney — someone who can help you through your entire employment law case. Visit the [Super Lawyers directory](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/) and use the search box to find a lawyer based on your legal issue or location. To help you get started, you may want to consider looking for a lawyer who [represents employees in employment law cases](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/employment-law-employee/). Why was this helpful? Easy to understand Answered my question Other Why was this not helpful? Missing the information I need Hard to understand Out of date Other ## What do I do next? Enter your location below to get connected with a qualified attorney today. Popular attorney searches: [Discrimination](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/discrimination/) [Employment & Labor](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/employment-and-labor/) ## Additional Employment Law - Employee articles - [Is It Legal To Install Cameras in the Workplace for Surveillance?](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/is-it-legal-to-install-cameras-in-the-workplace-for-surveillance/) - [Can You Sue Your Employer for Slander and Defamation?](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/can-you-sue-your-employer-for-slander-and-defamation/) - [Can Your Boss Force You To Work While Sick?](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/can-your-boss-force-you-to-work-while-sick/) - [Is It Illegal To Hire an Employee Under False Pretenses or Promises?](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/is-it-illegal-to-hire-an-employee-under-false-pretenses-or-promises/) - [Are Employee Complaints Protected Speech?](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/when-is-workplace-speech-protected-and-when-isnt-it/) - 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[Drug Screening in the Era of Legalized Marijuana](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/drug-screening-in-the-era-of-legalized-marijuana-2/) - [What Are My Rights If I Am Pregnant at Work?](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/what-are-my-rights-if-i-am-pregnant-at-work/) - [How To Request Workplace Accommodations for Disabilities](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/how-to-request-workplace-accommodations-for-disabilities/) - [Know What You Are Signing Away in Your Employment Contract](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/know-what-you-are-signing-away-in-your-employment-contract/) - [Can I Discuss Politics at Work?](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/can-i-discuss-politics-at-work/) ## State Employment Law - Employee articles - [Alabama](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/alabama/) - [California](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/california/) - [Colorado](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/colorado/) - [Connecticut](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/connecticut/) - [Florida](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/florida/) - [Indiana](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/indiana/) - [Louisiana](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/louisiana/) - [Maryland](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/maryland/) - [Massachusetts](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/massachusetts/) - [Minnesota](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/minnesota/) - [New Jersey](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/new-jersey/) - [New York](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/new-york/) - [Ohio](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/ohio/) - [Pennsylvania](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/pennsylvania/) - [Virginia](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/virginia/) - [Washington](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/washington/) ## Related topics - [Employment & Labor](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-and-labor/) - [Sexual Harassment](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/sexual-harassment/) - [Wage & Hour Laws](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wage-and-hour-laws/) - [Whistleblower](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/whistleblower/) At Super Lawyers, we know legal issues can be stressful and confusing. 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Employment laws govern the employer-employee relationship from beginning to end. Federal laws set the baseline for employee rights and govern a wide range of issues, including [wage and hour regulations](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wage-and-hour-laws/), [child labor](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-and-labor/child-labor-laws-where-can-teens-legally-work/), [workplace health and safety](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-and-labor/workplace-safety-violations-how-osha-protects-your-rights/), [discrimination](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/discrimination/), and [termination practices](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/). Most state laws for employees add more protections. Many states provide additional protections for workers. Employees should know what to expect from their employer and when to discuss problems with human resources. If there is no internal solution, employees can consider taking legal action. The following is an overview of employment laws and what you can do if your employer violates your rights. [Talk to a local employment law attorney to understand your legal rights and options](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/employment-law-employee/). ## Wage and Hour Laws The [Fair Labor Standards Act](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa) (FLSA) is the federal law that sets minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. The FLSA defines “work” and instructs employers to count work hours. States are free to set their own standards, but they cannot offer less than the FLSA requires. Failing to count hours of work is one of the most common violations of employee rights. If your employer allows you to work beyond your scheduled hours for their benefit, that time counts toward your hours worked. If you work “off the clock” before or after your regular workday, you should be getting paid. Additional federal laws govern wages. For example, the [Equal Pay Act](https://www.eeoc.gov/equal-paycompensation-discrimination) requires employers to pay men and women equally for equal work. The [U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/majorlaws#fmla) (DOL) administers many of the federal statutes governing employment and workplace activities. The [DOL Wage and Hour Division](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd) (WHD) can investigate employers and issue penalties for violating federal employment laws.  ## Fight for Your Employee Rights at Work If your employer is violating your rights, you can find a top employment law attorney near you in the Super Lawyers directory who will stand up for you. [Find a lawyer today](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/) ## Workplace Safety The [Occupational Safety and Health Act](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/oshact/completeoshact), which is enforced by the [Occupational Safety and Health Administration](https://www.osha.gov/) (OSHA), gives you the right to a workplace free of health and safety hazards. OSHA or an OSHA-approved state plan covers private-sector workers in every state. Under OSHA , you have the right to: - Training in a language you understand - Required safety gear and equipment - Procedures to report an injury or illness - Request an OSHA inspection [Your employer cannot retaliate against you](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/understanding-the-role-of-retaliation-in-wrongful-termination-cases/) for speaking up about your concerns. Your employer also cannot retaliate if you participate in an OSHA investigation. ## Health Care and Retirement Benefits Federal law allows workers to take unpaid time off for covered illnesses or to care for a family member. The [Family and Medical Leave Act](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla) (FMLA) requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave. Leave covers the adoption or birth of a child or for serious illnesses of the employee or close family member. Federal law doesn’t require employers to offer retirement benefits. However, there are minimum standards for most employer retirement and health insurance plans. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) sets standards for employer health and retirement plans. ERISA laws also give employees a cause of action for employer violations. ## Employment Discrimination Several federal laws protect employees from discrimination in the workplace: - **[Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964](https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964).** Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation) and national origin. - **[The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).](https://www.ada.gov/)** Prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person’s disability. Employers must generally provide [reasonable accommodations for workers with a disability](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/employment-law-employee/requesting-a-reasonable-accommodation/). - **[The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.](https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/genetic-information-nondiscrimination-act-2008)** Prohibits using [genetic information](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/discrimination/what-is-genetic-discrimination/) to make employment decisions. - **[The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).](https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/age-discrimination-employment-act-1967)** Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees 40 or older because of their age. States, counties, and cities have passed their own anti-discrimination legislation and ordinances. Employers may not fire, demote, or refuse to hire someone based on their membership in a protected class. Additionally, employers cannot take adverse employment action against someone who complains about discrimination. The [U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission](https://www.eeoc.gov/) (EEOC) enforces federal anti-discrimination laws. Your state likely has an agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws. If you choose to file a discrimination claim against your employer, you will most likely file with both the EEOC and your state’s agency. ## Sexual Harassment in the Workplace [Sexual harassment](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/sexual-harassment/) is discrimination based on sex. These claims generally falls into two categories: 1. **Quid pro quo.** Involves a supervisor offering better terms or threats in exchange for sexual favors. 2. **Hostile work environment claims.** Severe or ongoing harassment interferes with a worker’s ability to do their job. ## Wrongful Termination Most states are [at-will employment states](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/is-it-legal-to-be-fired-without-notice/), which means your employer can fire you at any time for any reason or no reason. There are some exceptions to this general rule. An employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason, like sexual harassment or discrimination. If you have an employment contract, the contract can control when an employer can terminate your position. ### Unlawful Termination Your [employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-a-wrongful-termination-claim/). Your employer cannot fire you for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason. If you got fired after talking to human resources about harassment, you might have a claim for whistleblower retaliation. The same might be true if you were fired for taking medical leave, sitting on a jury, or taking time off to vote. ### Employment Contracts Sometimes, your [employment contract can override an at-will employment](https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/wrongful-termination/what-is-an-implied-employment-contract-in-wrongful-termination/) relationship. If the employment contract sets out a procedure for discipline and termination, courts will generally expect employers to follow through with those procedures. Check with your employment agreement for grounds for termination. ## Should I Talk to an Employment Lawyer? An employment lawyer can review your employment contract, employee handbook, and timesheets to help you determine your legal options. A lawyer can help you resolve the issue with your employer directly. If you decide to pursue legal action, your lawyer can help you determine what agency should handle your case. A lawyer will anticipate potential problems with your case and advise you on how to approach them. Your lawyer will also keep track of deadlines and file all the paperwork with the necessary courts and agencies, giving you one less thing to worry about. ## Finding the Right Attorney for Your Needs Find the right type of attorney — someone who can help you through your entire employment law case. Visit the [Super Lawyers directory](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/) and use the search box to find a lawyer based on your legal issue or location. To help you get started, you may want to consider looking for a lawyer who [represents employees in employment law cases](https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/employment-law-employee/). At Super Lawyers, we know legal issues can be stressful and confusing. We are committed to providing you with reliable legal information in a way that is easy to understand. Our legal resources pages are created by experienced attorney writers and writers that specialize in legal content in consultation with the top attorneys that make our Super Lawyers lists. We strive to present information in a neutral and unbiased way, so that you can make informed decisions based on your legal circumstances.