Federal Employment Law Guidelines for Private Employers

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards for private and public sector employees.

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) – Requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace and comply with OSHA standards.

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Protects employees 40 years and older from age-based employment discrimination.

• Equal Pay Act (EPA) – Requires that men and women receive equal pay for equal work in the same workplace.

• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) – Prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in employment and health insurance.

• National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) – Protects employees’ rights to unionize, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action.

• Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) – Ensures that military service members can return to their civilian jobs with job protections.

• Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) – Requires certain employers to provide 60 days' notice before mass layoffs or plant closures.

• Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) – Mandates employers verify employees' eligibility to work in the U.S. using Form I-9.

• Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) – Sets minimum standards for private employer-sponsored pension and health plans.

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (Employment-Related Background Checks) – Governs how employers use consumer reports for hiring and employment decisions.

• Whistleblower Protection Act – Protects employees who report workplace violations or misconduct from employer retaliation.

• Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) – Allows employees to continue their health insurance coverage after job loss or certain other qualifying events.

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (Employment-Related Provisions) – Ensures privacy and security protections for employees’ health information.

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Employment-Related Provisions) – Imposes requirements on employers regarding health insurance coverage and reporting.

• Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) – Prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

• Rehabilitation Act (Applicable to Federal Contractors but May Impact Private Employers) – Requires affirmative action and non-discrimination in employment for individuals with disabilities in federal contracting.