Labor and employment law is a complex practice, encompassing federal and state statutes, as well as administrative regulation and judicial precedent. The U.S. Department of Labor is the regulatory agency that oversees employment laws. This area of law examines the actions of both the employer and the employee, the rights and responsibilities of each, and their relationship with one another.
Employers must follow state and federal laws that regulate their relationship with their employees. Areas that may be affected by these laws include:
- Hiring and promotion practices;
- Hiring and working with independent contractors;
- Wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime and compensatory time;
- Harassment and discrimination;
- Employee leave time;
- Employee guidelines (handbook) and performance review;
- Workplace health and safety.
Other situations that may be addressed under the umbrella of Labor and Employment Law include retaliation, worker’s compensation and whistleblower claims.
