A comprehensive Washington, DC labor and employment law education and training program should start with a review of the statutory sources of these laws and the government agencies charged with enforcing them. Not only will your human resource staff need to reference these statutes in any formal policy they may draft for your company, but they should also get in the habit of dealing with these agencies directly in order to avoid problems that may result from a failure to comply with DC labor laws.

Boost your educational experience on DC work laws by knowing which lawyers you can reach out to, directly or through their websites, in order to stay informed of timely issues that might impact your company. Internet sources for DC work laws that summarize these regulations and inform you of trends you should know about include:

1. Find the most reliable online sources of Washington DC employment laws.

2. Provide an extra boost to your training program when you seek help in understanding employment law Washington DC from professionals.

3. Direct your human resource staff to register for seminars and educational events on DC employment law.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go to the statutory sources of Washington DC labor laws

Design your educational programs and workshops on DC employment law with training guides and other educational materials that the federal and state governments provide.

I recommend: The United States Department of Labor presents a detailed review of workplace standards, employee benefits, wage and hours of work regulations and work authorization for non-U.S. citizens that are enforced in Washington, D.C. and other states. The National Employment Lawyers Association links to the applicable federal and state regulations as it gives you tips on how to create a positive, stress-free environment.

Use articles on DC labor laws by employment lawyers in your training program.

Your educational program should make use of articles on DC labor laws that practicing attorneys prepare and post on their websites. Gain extra educational benefits from learning about employment laws related to federal workers.

I recommend: Allan Lescht & Associates details the elements of Washington, DC employment law cases, such as harassment, discrimination and contract dispute claims. Attorneys Katz, Marshall & Banks provide legal news on employment laws that offer your employees the chance to stay informed of the most recent issues.

Engage employees in seminars on DC labor regulations

Seminars stand out as exceptional educational opportunities because they put human resource staff in touch with leading professionals in the field and provide them with materials on which they can shape their company's policy.

I recommend: Check the National Employment Law Institute for special events geared specifically to Washington, DC labor laws. Seminar Information puts you in touch with educational events and opportunities, such as how to develop FMLA and ADA compliance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Human resource workshops dedicated to providing their employees with the most comprehensive Washington, DC labor and employment law education and training are suggesting that their staff attend arbitrations and mediations based on DC employment law violations in order for them to fully comprehend these laws.

Determining a productive way to educate yourself and your staff about Washington DC employment laws pays off in more ways than just escaping the cost of DC employment law firms. You and your staff spend more time doing business if your staff is aware of DC work laws — not only can you get more business done but your staff knows providing a safe, happy working environment is important to you, their employer. Employees do their best when they're aware of what they're entitled to in terms of everything from lunch breaks to discrimination protection.

Consulting DC work law firms for assistance is the right thing to do in some cases but you can do research on your own to decrease your chances of ever needing them at all.

Consider the following plan to help your business comply with Washington, DC employment laws:

1. Resources to help you implement the simplest of strategies;

2. Expertise for big issues or sensitive questions surrounding DC labor and employment law; and

3. Purchase software and look to other online resources for a fraction of what you would pay a professional.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Avoid conflicts with DC labor law by educating your staff

DC manages its own labor department which posts valuable and, most importantly, free information for instant access. Assemble packets for your employees concerning the most delicate Washington, DC work laws such as discrimination, immigration and overtime laws. Place posters or fliers in break rooms or other gathering areas for easy reference. You're less likely to face lawsuits filed against your business or between your staff when everyone is knowledgeable about what's right and wrong in the workplace.

I recommend: The DC Department of Labor presents facts on issues ranging from discrimination to workplace safety and health in addition to offering printable documents and posters direct from their website.

Get solid backing for DC work law challenges with big firms

America's immigration policy is ever-changing and Washington, DC, labor laws are complex. Large firms offer both assistance specific to immigration and support in handling issues such as union management and discrimination.

I recommend: Switchboard's digital directory can help you find any labor and employment lawyers in DC. FindLaw features company profiles for the most trusted DC employment law firms. Consult the Attorney Search Network to find lawyers approved by the American Bar Association.

Buy software and find web resources to avoid DC labor lawyers

Labor lawyers in DC, like anywhere, don't come cheap. A majority firms with websites post newsletters for the latest changes and policies. You can be sensible about Washington, DC labor laws with in-house software that you or your human resources staff find easy to use. Look for software program with features devoted specifically to labor and employment law.

I recommend: Sign up for HRhero.com's monthly employment law letter written by DC employment laws attorneys. Compliance Pro and Ultimate Software both offer top-notch labor law software programs for human resources departments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Address and document any discrimination or harassment conflicts between your staff as soon as you can, and know the DC labor regulations--often the employer is implicated in labor and employment lawsuits when they have knowingly let discrimination or harassment go on for extended periods of time.

Without exception, Washington DC employment laws are binding on all companies doing business in the district. Large, medium and small businesses must establish labor policies that don’t allow any form of unlawful discrimination and that help to create a safe and healthy work environment.

DC employment law follows federal standards when it comes to minimum wage, OSHA regulations and family and medical leave insurance benefits. HR professionals in DC should also become familiar with the district’s own standards for employee recruitment, workplace training and acceptable reasons for discharging employees. Popular sources for Washington, DC labor and employment law for beginners include the following.

1. Learn DC labor laws that relate to compensation and benefits employers must offer.

2. Know how Washington DC labor laws control the kind of working environment businesses must provide.

3. Find out how D.C. labor laws prohibit employers from terminating workers unlawfully.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get to know DC employment laws regulating the benefits and compensation businesses offer

According to DC labor and employment law, businesses in the district must pay a minimum wage that is higher than the national standard. They must also comply with federal laws allowing employees time off to attend to family or medical issues. And most businesses must maintain workers' compensation insurance to cover employees injured on the job.

I recommend: Learn about the DC and national minimum wage standards at the Department of Labor website. Find out about the guaranteed family and medical leave DC businesses are required to allow by checking out the DC Bar’s website. The Department of Employment Services explains how it administers the DC workers’ compensation programs.

Find out how DC employment laws encourage businesses to create positive work environments

As you explore Washington, DC labor and employment law for beginners, you'll learn about DC labor regulations mandating that employers in the district display posters explaining employees' rights under federal and state law. Safe working conditions for employees are required through the district's OSHA plan. And DC businesses must not permit employees to engage in discriminatory work practices.

I recommend: The Department of Labor identifies the labor law posters DC businesses must display. Go to OSHA’s website to learn about potential hazards in the workplace you may not be aware of. Legal Connection provides examples of policies and procedures that could be considered discriminatory.

Know DC labor law when it comes to standards protecting employees from wrongful discharge

Employment in Washington, DC is based upon the 'at will' doctrine. Most employment relationships may be terminated by either party at any time unless it appears that discrimination may be involved.

I recommend: Go to the Employment Law Group for advice and concrete examples on lawful reasons employers may terminate employees. There’s a detailed discussion at DC Employment Attorney that can help you decide whether your decision to terminate an employee is justified and would hold up in a court of law should the employee sue you for wrongful discharge.

Washington, DC labor and employment law news and trends are of great interest to attorneys who practice employment law in Washington, DC. Employment law attorneys must keep track of the frequent changes in the law that relate to unions and laborers in Washington, DC. They also need to be familiar with the many procedures and forms related to labor and employment law that may change at any time. Attorneys also need to know what the public thinks about rulings on labor and employment law in Washington, DC. All of these highly volatile factors can change the way attorneys in labor law do their jobs.

News on Washington DC employment laws generally may be grouped according to the source of information. These include following three categories:

1. Independent sources of news on Washington, DC labor laws. They provide opinions, as well as hard news, on labor law from many different businesses, individuals and lobby groups. Independent news sources typically consist of blogs, magazines and newspapers.
2. Websites from the Washington, DC state government. These sites provide official procedures and rulings on Washington, DC labor law.
3. Labor lawyers. Attorneys that practice labor and employment law in Washington, DC frequently have inside news on labor law in Washington, DC.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Study independent sources of news and trends on Washington, DC employment laws

News organizations frequently report on legislative updates on Washington, DC labor and employment law. Individuals also may keep blogs and journals on labor law in Washington, DC.

I recommend: The Washington Times has a recent article on labor law arbitration in Washington, DC. The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation reports on a dispute between labor unions and creditors in Washington, DC.

Review state websites to get official news and other information on DC work laws

Washington, DC government websites are the best places to get the latest news about Washington, DC labor and employment law. A Washington, DC website also may publish the state statutes to help attorneys stay informed on the latest legislation that relates to Washington, DC labor and employment law.

I recommend: The Department of Employment Services for the District of Columbia has information on current labor trends in Washington, DC. The American Federation of Government Employees has its headquarters in Washington DC and provides regular updates on labor laws in Washington, DC.

Get inside news on DC work laws from attorneys in Washington, DC

Washington, DC lawyers who practice labor and employment law frequently have information on Washington, DC law that is not available elsewhere. These attorneys may publish newsletters or full length articles on a particular aspect of labor and employment law in Washington, DC.

I recommend: Wiley Rein is located in Washington DC and publishes regular articles on employment and labor law. Baker Hostetler practices employment law in Washington DC and posts articles on employees' use of the Twittering in the workplace.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Washington, DC employment laws are generally guided by federal law, which set the standard work week to 40 hours in 1950. However, some lines of work may be an exception to the 40 hour work week maximum. For example, seasonal work, such as harvesting crops, can require laborers to work 72 hours in a week.