Your workplace should be a fulfilling place where you can realize your dreams and be fair and respectful of your rights and interests. If you work in Ohio, you should know about the federal and state laws that protect your workplace rights. This article will provide you with some basic information on your rights to work free of discrimination, your right to minimum wage and overtime protections, and much more.
Wrongful Termination and Harassment Law in Ohio
The pandemic has taken a toll on our economy, and many people lost their jobs, were laid off indefinitely or were furloughed. While some reasons for termination may be valid, others make them wrongful. Especially in times of pandemic, there are many ways you can be terminated from your job that are against the law.
Discrimination and Harassment
Ohio employers may not discriminate based on an employee’s military status or status as a caregiver for a family member who was injured in military service.
Ohio and federal law also prohibit workplace harassment. This is defined as unwelcome actions or statements, based on a protected trait, that create a hostile or offensive work environment. While sexual harassment is the most familiar type of harassment, other types might also be based on disability, race, or another protected trait.
Workplace Injury
Ohio law also protects employees from retaliation when they exercise their rights. When you are injured on the job, your employer cannot fire you for filing a workers' compensation claim.
Wage and Hours Law in Ohio
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the wage and hour standards employers must follow, including the minimum wage, overtime, and other wage protections. Employers must pay the highest minimum wage applicable to employees.
If you earn tips as part of your compensation, your employer can pay you a lower minimum wage as long as you earn enough tips to bring your total hourly pay up to at least the full applicable minimum wage.
FLSA and Ohio law require employers to pay overtime to workers who work more than 40 hours per week; however, not all employees are eligible to earn overtime.
Time Off Work in Ohio
Employee paid leave (such as vacation time, sick days, holidays, or paid time off is up to the discretion of your Ohio employer. However, employers may be required to offer unpaid leave for reasons such as:
- Military leave
- Family and medical leave
- Military family leave
- Jury duty
- Voting
There are many other Ohio Employment Law basics we have not covered in this article. If you have questions about your workplace rights, you should speak to an experienced Ohio employment lawyer. At Faruki PLL, our lawyers have a deep understanding of employment issues, intellectual property protection, and protection of human capital. Contact us today if you have questions about employment law in Ohio.
