For many employees, knowing their rights is incredibly important for a sense of their own security. While many employers would jump to their own defense to claim they are a moral and just company, sadly the same can’t be said for every establishment. Many employees rely on their rights to fight against discrimination, poor treatment or unfair dismissal. Knowing your rights as an employer and as an employee is essential for running a happy ship.
Right of Association
This right is important for collective support. Right of Association refers to workers’ freedom to collectively unite and defend their opinions and vested interests. This right is vital for those who are dissatisfied with their salaries or want to improve their general working conditions. This right is a bit like your general right to freedom of speech, except it upholds your ability to voice your opinion as a group of employees.
Collective Bargaining
This falls under the category of Right of Association,but it is perhaps the most important aspect of it. This right states that everyone has an equal opportunity to express their own opinion as part of negotiations regarding salary and other important considerations. This part of Right of Association ensures that all employees can work under desirable conditions and living standards.
Tax-free compensation
When it comes to workers compensation law, you are entitled to receive tax-free compensation. If your money has been taxed, it is important that you appeal for this to be amended. This is enshrined by the IRS, which states that you are completely exempt from paying tax on compensation money. The only exception to the rule is if you receive supplemental security income on top of the amount you have already received.
Heath Insurance Portability and Accountability
If you’ve ever worried about an employer reading through your health records, then don’t panic. This would not be a viable means of filtering you out of an employment race as it is illegal to do this. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, established in 1996, ensure your place of work cannot have access to private health records.
Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
While this doesn’t refer to one law in particular, this refers to a bundle of laws that were passed by the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the EEOC. These laws set down the groundwork for equal employment rights in the US, ensuring that employers couldn’t translate their prejudices into who they hired or fired. Within these laws includes the rights not to be discriminated as a result of color, race, sex, pregnancy, age or citizenship.
When it comes to workers’ rights, the USA has come a long way. Not only is it illegal to fire or hire someone based on their genetic characteristics, but it’s no easier to have collective responsibility as a team. These rights, which allow you to stand up for yourself within a business, protect you should the worst happen. Any court cases that arise will also result in you being able to keep hold of your compensation.
