Labor laws are put in effect to codify a company’s obligations to its workers while wielding a valuable employee-employer relationship. The Department of Labor oversees the execution of more than 180 federal laws that cover workplace activities for roughly 125 million workers. What began as a movement in the late 19th century has prospered into one of the most important aspects underpinning skilled labor in America.

Labor laws not only protect the rights of workers but are a catalyst to a healthy economy. How? Let us explain with these top reasons why labor laws are so vital.

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EMPLOYEE PROTECTION

Employment laws are designed to equalize the traditional “master-servant” relationship so that neither side takes advantage of the other. The Fair Labor Standards Act)\ (FLSA) is one of the most recognizable regulations put in place to make this happen. For example, it wasn’t always so that employees were fairly compensated for their hours of work, especially if they exceeded 40 hours. The FLSA dictates that most employees who work more than 40 hours in an average workweek are compensated at time-and-a-half. Employers also have to keep a record of employee hours and have a system in place for tracking their hours. This also makes it easier for employers to stay in bounds, so to speak, of the FLSA.

Other than fair wages and hours, additional labor laws have outlined fair labor practices for workers no matter their gender, age, race or ethnicity. Workers are also entitled to a safe work environment in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

ECONOMIC STABILITY

Labor laws ensure that work is performed to a satisfactory degree and that those who do the work are fairly compensated to spend and invest as desired. When this is achieved, companies are able to make contributions to the economy and help stimulate more growth.

VALUE RECOGNITION

Like any other law, labor laws represent the dominant, core values of the society in which they are created and enacted. Complying with labor laws is thereby recognizing these values and acting to preserve them. Changes in labor laws signify a majority change in belief systems. Without labor laws and the principles underlying them, a large piece is missing from our country’s moral fabric.

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

Labor laws require employers to grant employees at minimum 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for either birth or adoption of a child or the serious illness of an immediate family member. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) ensures that workers stay healthy and fulfilled in their personal lives so that their work is worthwhile.

UNION PROTECTION

Without labor laws, labor unions themselves would not have the resources and encouragement to succeed. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) of 1959 is a “manifesto” on how unions should be run, dealing with the relationship between a union and its members. This act established standards for union officers and financial reporting. Labor laws ensure that the unions themselves conduct fair practices so that they can keep delivering on their promises.

Wish to know more about labor laws and unions? Visit Labor United’s website here for more information and resources!

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