U.S. Federal Laws and Regulations Protecting Employees

1991 Civil Rights Act (Equal Employment Opportunity)

Amends and clarifies Title VII, ADA, and other laws; permits suits against employers for punitive damages in cases of intentional discrimination

2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health and Safety)

Employers with more than 50 employees must provide health insurance

1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) (Health and Safety)

Establishes minimum health and safety standards in organizations

2007 Fair Minimum Wage Act (Compensation and Benefits)

Increased federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour on July 24, 2009

1935 Wagner Act resulted in...

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) which enforces procedures whereby employees may vote to have a union and for collective Bargaining.

1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Equal Employment Opportunity)

Prohibits discrimination against essentially qualified employees with physical or mental disabilities or chronic illness; requires "reasonable accommodation" be provided so they can perform duties

1967, amended 1978 and 1986 Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) (Equal Employment Opportunity)

Prohibits discrimination in employees over 40 years old; restricts mandatory retirement

1964, amended 1972 Civil Rights Act, Title VII (Equal Employment Opportunity)

Prohibits discrimination on basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or sexual orientation

1985 Consolidated Omnibus Budget reconciliation ACT (COBRA) (Health and Safety)

Requires an extension of health insurance benefits after termination.

1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (Labor Relations)

Requires employers to verify the eligibility for employment of all their new hires (including U.S. citizens)

1993 Family and Medical Leave Act (Compensation and Benefits)

Requires that employers provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical and family reasons, including paternity and illness of a family member.

1963 Equal Pay Act (Equal Employment Opportunity)

Requires that men and women be paid equally if they are performing equal work

1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (Compensation and Benefits)

allows employees to switch health insurance plans when changing jobs and receive new coverage regardless of preexisting health conditions; prohibits group plans from dropping ill employees.

1947 Taft-Hartley Act (labor relations)

allows the president of the U.S. to prevent or end a strike that threatens national security.

1935 Social Security Act (Compensation and Benefits)

established U.S. Retirement system

1938 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (Compensation and Benefits)

establishes minimum living standards for workers engaged in interstate commerce, including provision of a federal minimum wage.

1974 Privacy Act (Labor Relations)

gives employees legal right to examine letters of reference concerning them

2003 Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Labor Relations)

prohibits employers from demoting or firing employees who raise accusations of fraud to a federal agency

1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) (Compensation and Benefits)

sets rules for managing pension plans; provides federal insurance to cover bankrupt plans