employment
Employment is the condition of labor provided by an employee in exchange for payment by an employer. Employment law is a broad area encompassing the rights and responsibilities of the employer/employee relationship. Employment law consists of federal and state statutes, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions. Many employment laws were enacted as protective labor legislation intended for the fairness of both employers and employees, like employment discrimination or OSHA regulations. Other employment laws act as public benefits, such as unemployment compensation. Additionally, post-employment retirement benefits, like pensions, are regulated by employment legislation.
Federal Statutes
- 29 U.S. Code - Labor. Chapters pertinent to employment:
- Chapt. 8. Fair Labor Standards
- Chapt. 14. Age Discrimination in Employment
- Chapt. 15. Occupational Safety and Health
- Chapt. 16. Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Rehabilitation Services
- Chapt. 18. Employee Retirement Income Security Program (ERISA)
- Chapt. 20. Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection
- Chapt. 22. Employee Polygraph Protection
- Chapt. 24. Technology Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities
- Chapt. 28. Family and Medical Leave
- 42 U.S. Code - The Public Health and Welfare. Chapters pertinent to employment:
- Chapter 21. The Civil Rights Act
- §§ 2000e - 2000e-17 - Equal Employment Opportunity
- §§ 1981, 1981A, 1983, & 1988 - Employment Discrimination
- Chapter 21. The Civil Rights Act
- Chapter 126. - Equal Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities
[Last reviewed in March of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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