It is important to know what you are entitled to as an employee because it helps you understand your rights and protections in the workplace. Knowing your entitlements can help you ensure that you are being treated fairly and legally by your employer. It can also help you advocate for yourself and take action if you believe your rights are being violated.
- Minimum wage: The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, although some states have higher minimum wage rates.
- Overtime pay: Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 hours per week.
- Discrimination protections: Employees are protected against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, and genetic information, among other categories.
- Family and Medical Leave: Eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain medical and family reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or dealing with a personal serious health condition.
- Health and safety protections: Employers are required to provide a safe and healthy work environment, including training, protective equipment, and regular safety inspections.
- Workers’ Compensation: Employees who are injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs.
- Social Security and Medicare: Employees are required to contribute a portion of their income to Social Security and Medicare, which provide retirement, disability, and healthcare benefits.
There are many other laws and regulations that protect employee rights in the United States, and specific entitlements may vary depending on factors such as job type, industry, and location.