As Thanksgiving approaches, it only makes sense to reflect on what we are thankful for. Worker protections and those who fought for them are certainly something we have gratitude for at Messa & Associates. From Congress passing the National Labor Relations Act, which encourages collective bargaining by protecting workers, to grassroots organizing for civil rights, many battles have been fought and won to preserve the rights of workers. These safeguards include:
1. Discrimination Protections
a. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
b. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 provides monetary damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination.
c. Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) protects men and women who perform substantially equal work in the same establishment from sex-based wage discrimination.
d. Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities who work in the federal government.
e. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older.
f. Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the private sector, and in state and local governments.
2. The Minimum Wage
The Fair Labors Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 sets the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour. There are exceptions to this minimum wage, including state minimum wage. If an employee is subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, they are entitled to a higher minimum wage.
3. Social Security
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law in 1935. Social Security is designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement.
4. Health Coverage
President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, making health coverage more available and affordable for millions of Americans.
5. Family Leave
President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) into law in 1993. This law allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. This may be necessary for the birth or adoption of a child or caring for an ill family member.
6. Whistleblower Protections
The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) (5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8)) protects federal employees or applicants for federal employment from retaliation for making protected disclosures. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the WPA also provides penalties for supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers.
These protections may seem standard or unexceptional, but they are fundamental to safeguarding workers. People who are focused on making a living for themselves or their families can't be worried about legally battling corporate America too. So, in this season of gratitude, we are thankful for the protection of workers. When workers need representation the team of lawyers at Messa & Associates knows it can make all the difference in achieving a fair and just outcome for our clients. That is why we invest the time and resources necessary for each case. For more information, contact us. Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to help.
About Messa & Associates, P.C
Messa & Associates, P.C. represents individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including product liability, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Luzerne County. Additionally, Messa & Associates are proud to serve New Jersey clients throughout that state, and also litigate selected cases throughout the country.
