In the world of work, bosses, regardless of their title, wield considerable influence. This dynamic can often lead to a natural sense of intimidation among employees, even when dealing with the most approachable of leaders. The hierarchical nature of business means that leaders not only guide their teams but also answer to higher echelons within the organization.
While it’s comforting to assume that individuals in leadership positions would naturally steer clear of unlawful activities, the reality is more complex. Misconduct could arise either inadvertently or from a deliberate misuse of authority.
Most employees are aware of the legal protections against discrimination, improper inquiries during job interviews, and sexual harassment. However, there are additional, less discussed actions that are equally prohibited by law. Here’s a closer look at six key areas where the law limits what employers can do.
1. Restricting Salary Discussions Among Colleagues
The right to discuss one’s salary with colleagues is protected under anti-discrimination laws. This includes conversations about wages among current employees and inquiries about salary ranges during job interviews. Any attempt by an employer to inhibit these discussions is illegal.
2. Penalizing Employees for Discussing Work Conditions on Social Media
The digital age has blurred the lines between personal and professional lives, especially on social media. According to the Aware Recruiter, labor laws protect certain types of workplace discussions, including those about salary and work conditions, even if they occur on an employee’s personal social media accounts. Employers cannot penalize employees for such discussions as it would infringe on their rights.
3. Treating Independent Contractors as Full-Time Employees
Independent contractors and freelancers offer companies financial advantages, such as reduced tax obligations and no requirement to offer benefits. As noted by Finance Buzz, these workers should have control over their work methods and schedules. Imposing additional responsibilities or treating them as regular employees without a formal agreement violates labor laws.
4. Failing to Compensate for Overtime
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates that employees working over 40 hours in a workweek must receive overtime pay at a rate of one and a half times their regular hourly wage. Offering compensatory time off instead of overtime pay does not fulfill this legal requirement.
5. Violating Employee Privacy Rights
Employees are entitled to a certain level of privacy, even in the workplace. This includes legal protections against unauthorized monitoring of personal communications and surveillance of personal items. Employers must respect these privacy rights, which are safeguarded by various state and federal laws.
6. Prohibiting Union Organization
Since the passage of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in 1935, it has been illegal for employers to prevent employees from forming, joining, or supporting labor unions. This protection is a cornerstone of workers’ rights in the United States.
Facing potentially unlawful actions in the workplace can be daunting. It’s crucial for employees to feel secure and supported when addressing concerns that may arise. Understanding your rights is the first step toward ensuring a fair and respectful work environment. This knowledge empowers employees to navigate their professional relationships and, when necessary, take action to protect their legal rights.