In Pennsylvania, you have several legal protections. Equal pay laws and overtime rules are just a few examples of the protections you have. Additionally, you have rights against discrimination and wrongful termination. This article will walk you through these laws. If you have been unfairly treated at work, contact a lawyer immediately to file a claim. In addition, remember to document any violations of employment rights outside of the workplace.
Equal pay laws
The Equal Pay Laws in Pennsylvania prohibit employers from paying employees below the minimum wage for jobs of equal skill and effort. These laws apply to all jobs, regardless of whether they are in the same industry or not. The only exceptions to the law are if an employer bases the pay on seniority, merit, or quantity of work. If you suspect that your employer is violating the Equal Pay Law, you should consult an attorney. The Employment Law Firm Group can protect you from unfair practices by your employer.
In May 2017, the National Women’s Law Center released a fact sheet titled “Equal Pay for Mothers.” The National Women’s Law Center provides comprehensive reports, maps, and fact sheets to help you make the right decision. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research has produced an economic impact report showing that eliminating the gender pay gap would reduce the poverty rate among women in every state. If Pennsylvania’s legislation passed, the poverty rate for women would fall from 27.8% to 7.3%.
Overtime pay rules
Overtime pay rules for Pennsylvania employees are similar to the federal laws governing the subject. An employee who works more than 40 hours in a week is entitled to time and a half (1.5x their regular rate of pay). That means an employee earning $8 an hour can expect to earn $12 an hour when they work overtime. However, if an employee refuses to work overtime, they may face disciplinary action or even termination.
The state’s overtime pay rules also require employers to pay for travel time. Even if an employee is not required to travel a certain distance to work, if they are covered by the overtime law, they must be paid for that time. If they are traveling more than 30 minutes from their place of residence to their workplace, they must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for the time they are travelling. The law requires employers to pay employees 1.5 times their regular rate for travel time.
Protections against discrimination
While federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and age, the state has anti-discrimination laws. Pennsylvania employees can file complaints with the state Human Relations Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if they feel their employer is discriminating against them. In Pennsylvania, a person must file a claim within a certain timeframe to be protected under state and federal laws.
In addition to the Fair Labor Standards Act, Pennsylvania has numerous other labor laws that protect employees. These laws protect employees in a variety of employment situations, including the right to receive overtime pay and minimum wage. These laws address minor issues before they grow into major problems. Additionally, Pennsylvania law protects employees with certain disabilities, including service dogs and GED holders. If you are facing discrimination at work, contact an employment lawyer in Pennsylvania today to discuss your options.
Protections against wrongful termination
While most states consider their employee status “at-will,” Pennsylvania has a unique legal doctrine that protects against wrongful termination. While Pennsylvania follows the concept of “employment at will,” employees do have certain rights. In certain instances, such as discrimination or violation of contract terms, they may be entitled to a wrongful dismissal lawsuit. In such situations, an employment attorney may provide valuable assistance during contract negotiations.
Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, at-will employees are protected against wrongful termination based on age, race, sex, or disability. In addition, employees are protected from being fired due to serving on a jury, requesting qualified medical leave, or objecting to a polygraph. Additionally, they are protected if they are serving in the military or if they were terminated for any reason, including criminal convictions.