Introduction
Labor laws deal with the relationship that exists between various parties which include employers and their unions and employees and employers. These laws are important since they ensure that employees work in a healthy environment and that their rights are respected (Twomey, 2009. p.1). In addition, labor laws enable employers to exercise appropriate powers on the employees. In some cases, employers feel oppressed by some labor laws. For example, the law may require employers to compensate employees or pay their medical bill in the event of the employee having an accident in the course of executing their tasks. On the other hand, trade unions may use political powers to control the employers who feel oppressed and may not be willing to cooperate with the trade unions. Therefore, labor laws are important since they enable the different groups of people in the labor force cope and overcome challenges that exist between them.
History of labor laws
Labor laws have been in existence since 1802.The laws were first established in England with the aim of legalizing some issues related to workers which resulted from integration of laissez-faire policy by organizations. The laws were first applied to children who worked in textile mills. The result was that issues such as health, morals and safety in relation to these children were addressed. Labor laws were also evident in Colonial America where they limited workers’ abilities to increase their wages.
There are two main types of labor laws which include;
- Collective labor laws
- Individual labor laws
Collective labor laws stipulate the relationship that should exist amongst the employees, employers and unions. On the other hand, individual labor laws deal with employees rights. This means that labor laws mainly deal with issues related to contract of employment. Some of the issues considered include minimum employees’ age, minimum wage, number of working hours and working conditions (Twomey, 2009, p.45).
Contract of employment
This is one of the labor laws that require both the worker and the employer to agree on their rights and obligations.This law is important in enforcing one’s rights in the event of one party breaching the contract or in case of exploitation. This arises from the fact that either party can use the contract to sue the offender in a court of law. The contract details the terms of employment and other working conditions such as minimum wages level, right to holidays, notice of dismissal and job description.
Minimum wages
This law stipulates the minimum amount of money that an employee should receive per hour as their due. Minimum wage varies from one country to another and from one organization to another. The minimum applicable wage should be determined by the market forces (that is demand and supply) in a free market. In United States of America, these laws were introduced for the first time in 1938. One of these laws that have been in effective until the end of July 2009 required that a worker should receive a minimum wage of $7.25 for every working hour (Work World, 2010, 2006, p.1).
Working time
This law stipulates the maximum numbers of hours that an individual should work per day. During the industrial revolution, the people worked for 11-14 hours per day. In United States, an Act on wage level and number of hours stipulated the maximum number of hours that an individual should work. In 1938, the total number of working hours was 44 per week. However, these were reduced in 1950 to forty hours per week (Work World, 2010, 2006, p.1). There are some exceptions with regard to the number of working hours depending on the nature of the job. In some cases, Americans work for long hours than expected due to the financial gains associated. For example, when one works for more hours, they receive overtime payment which is approximately one and a halve times of their normal pay. This is only applicable during the normal working days and excludes weekends, holidays and any other day that the employee is on leave.
Anti-discrimination law
This law protects employees from any form of discrimination irrespective of their race, gender, age, color, religion and national origin. This means that the law advocates equal job opportunities and working conditions for all employees.
Unfair dismissal
According to this law, employees should be given a notice that is void of legitimate motive before termination of their contract or before they are fired.
Health and Safety law
This law ensures that employee’s health and safety are considered in the course of their employment. In addition, it also explains the compensation that employees should receive incase of sickness or accident.
Child labor laws
These laws were enacted in order to give young people opportunity to work in safe environment that do not affect their health. The laws were also aimed at enforcing children’s rights such as right to education.
Conclusion
From the above study, it is evident that labor laws are very important since they ensure that there are good relationship amongst employees, employers and unions. IN addition, the laws ensure that the employee’s rights are not compromised. In order to be effective, labor laws deal with issues related to employment contract, minimum wage, working time, discrimination, dismissal amongst others that directly affect employees.
Reference List
Twomey, D. (2009). Labor and employment Laws. New York: Cengage Learning.
Work World. (2010). History of Federal Minimum Wages Rates under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938-1996.Virginia: Virginia Commonwealth University. Web.