There are a number of local, state, and federal laws that employers must follow when hiring employees. Generally speaking, these laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnicity/national origin, disability, or veteran status.
With so many government agencies involved in creating laws for hiring and employment, it’s no wonder companies get confused. In some instances, these may affect you, the jobseeker, as you may face potential discrimination in the application and/or hiring process.
There are laws to govern how many hours you can work (Fair Labor Standards Act), the type of work you can perform in certain industries (Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, for example), and even the types of benefits some types of companies can offer (Employee Retirement Income Security Act).
You are most likely to encounter these situations in smaller companies, where the owner or hiring managers handle applications, interviews, and job offers directly; however, discrimination occurs in companies of all sizes.
In this series, we will summarize some of the most relevant laws for jobseekers. Upcoming topics include the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952; the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Pregnancy Discrimination Act; Immigration Reform and Control Act; and many more.
This series is designed to familiarize you specifically with laws relating to applying for jobs, interviewing, and getting hired. Note: The information provided is not intended to provide legal, medical, or financial advice. If legal, medical, or financial advice is needed, a licensed professional should be consulted.