What is Employment Law?
Less than a century ago, there was little or no protection for employees. Employers were basically able to treat their employees however they wanted, often paying them wages as low as possible while working them as long hours as they could get out of them. Working conditions were often downright filthy, if not hazardous to boot, and workers were offered no benefits such as health insurance or worker's compensation in the event of an accident on the job. Even children were subjected to this employment abuse.
As the Industrial Revolution swept America, Europe, and the rest of what is now known as the industrialized world, more and more people left their rural lives to live in cities and work in factories. As the number of such employees rose and working conditions worsened, it became clear that the government would need to step in to protect the rights of the workers. These initial efforts eventually gave way to modern employment law.
Employment law protects employees from any mistreatment by their employers. Thanks to the working conditions described above, laws to establish fair wages, limit the number of hours worked in a week, and prevent children from being exploited were among the first components of employment law. Rules were also established to regulate the cleanliness of the workplace, and employers were required to take precautions to protect their employees and prevent dangerous accidents. These initial efforts are still an important part of employment law, although they have been improved and expanded as needed over the years.
Employment law protects other rights of employees, too. Laws have been passed to establish standards that employers must follow in providing benefits, such as health insurance, to their employees; this includes additional coverage for health problems that arise due to conditions of the job or workplace. Employment law also includes protection against discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, religion, disability, or veteran status, and makes provisions for the employment of foreigners.
Employment law is a vital part of our government's efforts to protect our rights as human beings. Employment law ensures that employees cannot be overworked, placed in an unhealthy or dangerous environment, or rendered unable to work without appropriate compensation. Employment law also guarantees that workers can't be unfairly discriminated against, and allows foreigners a period of time during which they can legally work in the country. Employment law is what stands between modern employees and such crimes as became widespread during the Industrial Revolution.
Written by Katharine Swan
