Pennsylvania Labor and Employment Law Basics

Learn how to comply with Pennsylvania employment law
By Emmet McMahan An examination of Pennsylvania labor and employment law basics should include finding ways of protecting your business and employees. The primary goal of labor and employment laws is to equalize the power between employers and employees, who are frequently represented by labor unions.

PA labor laws may include both state and federal statutes. Federal laws regulate workers' rights to organize and override most state labor and employment laws. However, federal laws generally do not apply to agricultural workers, domestic employees and employees of local or state governments. There are three general areas of labor and employment law regulated by states:

1. Union organization; employment law in Pennsylvania provides public employees with limited protections, but also may allow public employees to strike under some circumstances.
2. Regulations on wages and benefits; many states have laws giving a minimum wage that is higher than the federal standard and also provide laws that protect workers excluded by the Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA).
3. Employee discrimination; federal laws cover discrimination of employees on the basis of race, age and certain disabilities. Some states have passed legislation on other types of discrimination, such as marital status or sexual orientation.
   

Learn about PA employment law that regulates minimum wage and overtime

According to Pennsylvania labor law, businesses must pay their employees the greater of the state or federal minimum wage. Overtime laws generally control what an employee should be paid after 40 hours of work in the same week.
Try:  The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has links to a variety of employment laws in Pennsylvania, including minimum wage regulations. Get information on the current minimum wage in Pennsylvania at Pennsylvania Employment Law Blog.

Find out how to display PA labor law posters

Pennsylvania labor law posters keep employees informed of their rights and obligations under federal and state labor laws. Employers must display these posters in the workplace in a visible location where they are easy to read.
Try:  The Poster Compliance Center has the latest updates on the requirements for labor law posters. Learn about the current posting requirements for both OSHA and labor law posters in Pennsylvania at PosterSolution.com.

Provide workers' compensation insurance required by labor law in PA

Workers' compensation insurance protects employees and their families in the event of injury or death of the employee while on the job. Employers also may need to pay for any medical expenses incurred during litigation.
Try:  Workers Compensation Insurance.com provides quick facts and specific information resources on workers' compensation in Pennsylvania. Learn more about workers' compensation with the FAQ at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

• Pennsylvania labor laws generally have the presumption that workers not covered by an employment agreement are "at will" employees who may be fired without notice or cause. However, these employees may be still be protected under laws that cover specific activities such as organizing unions or whistleblowing.