Labor & Employment Law

Labor and employment law refers to the complicated system of state and national law that regulates the workplace. Labor law controls the relationship between employers and labor unions, and also includes union matters such as organizing activities, dues, and grievances. Employment law includes the laws and regulations that protect employees, regardless of whether the employee is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. It includes wages, hours, overtime, and harassment policies. Employment law also includes such things as safety and health in the workplace; which many people recognize as Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) compliance.

Employee discipline and discharge are important aspects of employment law. Generally, an employer cannot discipline an employee, or terminate the employment relationship, for reasons that violate the law. For example, an employer cannot discriminate against an employee based upon age, race, or gender. An employer cannot discipline or terminate an employee for reporting safety violations, commonly known as “whistleblowing.” In most situations, an employer cannot terminate an employee for taking family or medical leave. If an employee is disciplined or discharged for any of these reasons, the employee may be eligible for unemployment compensation, as well as compensation through the courts.

Robert E. Sweeney Co., LPA has a strong foundation in labor and employment law. The firm has acted on behalf of labor unions, as well as individual employees. If you feel that your rights have been violated, contact Robert E. Sweeney Co., LPA right away. Do not wait – your time to take action may be as little as 90 days, under some laws. If you do not act within that time period, you may lose your right to recovery.