Labor laws to consider for a business

On Behalf of | Sep 18, 2022 | Department of Labor |

Many business owners think they can get away with not following federal business laws. However, that is not the case, and it is a business owner’s responsibility to know these laws.

Here are the most critical labor laws for business owners.

Family and Medical Leave Act

The FMLA is something state labor departments note most business owners do not understand. It states that employers with more than 50 employees must provide employees with up to 12 consecutive or nonconsecutive weeks of unpaid time for qualifying family and medical issues each year without jeopardizing their position.

National Labor Relations Act

Every business must adhere to the NLRA. Aside from protecting unions, this law allows employees to bargain for and preserve their labor rights. One big thing that business owners forget about Section 7 rights is that it will enable employees to discuss their employment conditions, including wages.

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

The OFCCP is responsible for two affirmative action programs for businesses: the Rehabilitation Act’s Section 503 and Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. These established data, record-keeping obligations and hiring targets for federal contractors.

Fair Labor Standards Act

Many businesses rely on contractors without even knowing this law applies to some of them. However, certain contractor relationships require that employers follow FLSA laws with these workers.

Failing to comply with these laws can result in high fines and potential jail time. It may also require employers to compensate their employees by back paying their benefits. That is all on top of the lawsuits that they could face from employees. Aside from the costs, this scenario can seriously damage a business’s reputation.

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