Employment Law Online Resource Guide

Employment law refers to the body of laws and regulations that govern the relationship between trade unions, employees and employers. This guide is limited to those resources primarily addressing individual labor laws. It does not cover collective bargaining and trade unions. The links are helpful for anyone, employees and employers, looking for information and education on workers' rights and litigation in many areas including wages and hours, discrimination and harassment, hiring and firing, and health and safety. Two major areas for potential liability, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and sexual harassment, are addressed specifically at the end of the guide. It is important to understand the resources in this guide are meant to provide general information and in no way constitute legal advice.

Government Agencies

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Provides information on all the federal laws enforced by the Commission as well as facts and guidance regarding different types of discrimination. Also addresses which employers and other entities are covered by EEO laws and how to file a discrimination charge. A good source for statistics on enforcement and litigation under EEO laws.

U.S. Department of Labor

A topical listing of information and services provided by the Department. Major topics include disability resources, EEO laws, hiring, termination, benefits, workplace safety, and many others. Most topics include relevant laws and regulations. The Department of Labor Employment Law Guide, prepared by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, explains the statutes and regulations administered by the Department of Labor that affect businesses and workers. The purpose is primarily to assist in the development of wage, benefit, safety and health, and nondiscrimination policies for businesses. The Department also provides State Minimum Wage Laws.

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding federal employment laws and the governmental agencies responsible for enforcing them.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration - Safety and Health Topics

Access to information on a wide range of topics from accident investigation to workplace violence. The focus is on specific workplace hazards as well as information for individual industries. OSHA also provides links to statistics, compliance assistance for businesses, and interpretations of standards and regulations enforced by the administration.

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General Resources

Findlaw for the Public – Employee Rights Center

Comprehensive source includes an overview of employment law including a dictionary of related terms as well as specific resources in the following areas: the hiring process, wages and benefits, FMLA, discrimination and harassment, and termination. Assists in finding employees' rights attorneys. Registration is not required but the site will prompt for voluntary entry of an area code.

Legal Information Institute

A non-profit activity of Cornell Law School, the Institute provides publicly available legal information including U.S. Supreme Court decisions since 1992 and concise explanatory guides such as this one. Employment topics cover civil rights legislation, discrimination, workers compensation and workplace safety. Includes links to the text of federal statutes.

Workplace Fairness

WF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting workers' rights. Includes guides on major topics such as hiring, discrimination, harassment, pay and hours, all types of leave, privacy, health and safety, injuries/illness, whistleblowing, unions, termination, and unemployment. Also offers information for specific demographic groups such as women, older workers, and immigrants.

Employment/Labor Law Free Advice

Articles and answers to common questions in a variety of areas including hiring, firing, discrimination, pensions, sexual harassment, and workers compensation. Answers include helpful examples and are free of legal jargon.

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Blogs and News

Employment Law Bits

Provided by the law firm of Bacon & Wilson, P.C., postings address new issues and changes in employment law. While helpful to a general audience, most entries focus on employers and avoiding liability.

Wall Street Journal Law Blog

Entries cover all areas of business and the law, but the blog includes a search feature that retrieves postings on recent issues in employment law in the news.

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Americans with Disabilities Act

Americans with Disabilities Act homepage

Access to online publications from the ADA as well as information regarding compliance with ADA in a variety of settings. Also provides numerous federal resources for each department with ADA responsibilities.

The Arc’s Q&A on ADA

The Arc of the United States advocates for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Offers answers to frequently asked questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 including the purpose, coverage, and strategies for implementation and compliance.

The DBTAC-Great Plains Americans with Disabilities Act Center

One of ten regional centers funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in order to provide materials and assistance to individuals and organizations covered by the ADA. Provides accessibility standards and guidelines for both facilities and technology. Offers an introductory web course on ADA which is free but requires registration and creation of a login and password.

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Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Feminist Majority Foundation

FMF is a public policy organization devoted to the equality and empowerment of women. Provides state and national hotlines as well as covers all aspects of sexual harassment, including recognizing and stopping it, the role of employer liability, and potential legal options.

Information on Sexual Harassment

Created by an Associate Professor at Pennsylvania State University. Offers advice on reacting to harassment and creating organizational policies. Also provides links to information on state laws, a historical chronlogy of legal developments, legal definitions, additional internet resources, and an annotated bibliography of books and articles on the topic.

Resources for Addressing Sexual Harassment

From the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. Information relates to sexual harassment in schools specifically. Includes a checklist for administrators in addressing harassment and a pamphlet with questions and answers on recognizing and reporting harassment.

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Created January 22, 2007