As Americans we have many rights and freedoms. As employees in America we have many rights and protections to protect our jobs, well being and safety. Even with many employment protections most employees are always in threat of losing their job, regardless of their job performance.

When can my boss fire me? As general rule most employees are considered to be Employment at Will. Which mean and employer can fire you for a good cause, bad cause or no cause at all. However, there are some protections against the employment-at-will doctrine. Such protection are employment contracts, personal policy and producers and union agreements. Also, federal law protect employees from being terminated for discriminatory purposes, such as race, national origin, religion and gender.

The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher minimum wage. Covered nonexempt employees must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per workweek (any fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours – seven consecutive 24-hour periods) at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay. There is no limit on the number of hours employees 16 years or older may work in any workweek. The FLSA does not require overtime pay for work on weekends, holidays, or regular days of rest, unless overtime is worked on such days.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is the primary federal law which governs occupational health and safety in the private sector and federal government in the United States. Its main goal is to ensure that employers provide employees with an environment free from recognized hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary conditions.

Any employee who feel if any of their rights have been violated should consult with an attorney who practice in employment law. Employer could be held liable is they violate the rights of their employee.

Learn more aboutOccupational Safety and Health Act Do It Yourself attorney prepared Employment Contracts

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