Workers’ Rights
Workers’ rights are protected by a variety
of laws and regulations, 17-7. One of the major
provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA) is the minimum wage provision. The
minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that a
worker must be paid. The federal government
sets the minimum wage. In order to raise the
federal minimum wage, Congress must pass
a bill and the President must sign it into law.
The law also requires that a poster be visibly
displayed at the worksite, 17-8.
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Part 4 The Business of Hospitality
17-7 Workers’ rights are protected by a variety of laws and regulations.
Workers’ Rights Laws
Year Laws Main Provisions
1938
1963
1993 Entitles eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-
protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and
medical reasons
Family and Medical
Leave Act
Men and women must be paid equal amounts if they are doing
the same job or substantially similar jobs
Equal Pay Act
Minimum wage
Overtime pay
Restrictions on employment of children
Record keeping
Fair Labor Standards Act
17-6 Equal opportunity laws prevent discrimination based on age, disability, gender, national origin, race, and
religion.
Equal Opportunity Laws
Year Laws Main Provisions
1964, 1991
1967, 1990
1986
1990 Bans discrimination against individuals with disabilities in
matters of employment, government services, public
accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Bans employment of noncitizens who are not
authorized to work in the U.S. Bans discrimination
against citizens who may appear foreign.
Bans discrimination against noncitizens who have legal
work permits.
Immigration Reform and Control Act
Bans discrimination against workers age 40 and older. Age Discrimination Employment Act,
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act
Bans employment discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sex, or national origin.
Created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC), which investigates charges of discrimination.
Allows jury trials and punitive damages in
discrimination cases.
Civil Rights Act