Employment Laws and Rules

Link to a variety of federal and state employment-related laws, including those administered by the U. S. Department of Labor (USDOL).

Affirmative Action

Laws and regulations to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all individuals.

• USDOL Affirmative Action Overview, including the laws and regulations.
• Guidelines for Federal Contractors

Child Labor

Federal and state laws regulating employment restrictions for minors.

• USDOL Youth and Labor Overview
• USDOL Employment Law Guide - Child Labor
• State of Georgia Child Labor information, requirements, and forms.

COBRA (Health Coverage)

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) establishes group health plans for workers who lose health benefits.

• USDOL Continuation of Health Coverage and COBRA Overview
• COBRA FAQs

Disability

Laws that prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• USDOL ADA Overview, including the act.
• USDOL Employment Laws: Disability & Discrimination
• USDOL Regulations Implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Job Accommodations

Employment Service

The Wagner-Peyser Act created a nationwide system that provides job seeker and employer labor exchange services.

Equal Employment

Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination.

• U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• EEOC Laws, Regulations & Guidance
• USDOL Equal Employment Opportunity Overview
• Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Titles I and V

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The Act that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and child labor standards.

• USDOL Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• USDOL Fact Sheets, including amendments, exemptions, and different industry standards.
• FLSA elaws - "What FLSA Requires"
• USDOL Employment Law Guide - Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Act that grants eligible employees unpaid leave for specific family situations.

• USDOL FMLA Overview, including the law, regulations, and FAQs.

Georgia Employment Related Laws

Laws, regulations, and information specific to Georgia employers and workers.

• GDOL Rules including those for unemployment insurance.
• State of Georgia Child Labor information, requirements, and forms.
• Georgia New Hire Reporting, including information about online reporting and other options.
• Georgia Code

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

The Act that sets forth the conditions for the temporary employment of foreign workers (aliens) in the United States.

• USDOL INA Overview, including the law, regulations, and compliance assistance information.

Laws and Regulations Enforced by USDOL

Includes: Workplace Safety and Health, Wages and Work Hours, Equal Employment Opportunity, Agricultural Workers, Foreign Workers, Veterans' Protections, Government Contracts, Retirement and Health Benefits, Whistleblower Protections.

• Summary of the Major Laws of the USDOL
• USDOL Employment Law Guide
• elaws Advisors - Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Business
• elaws - FirstStep Employment Law Advisor

Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)

The Act that protects migrant and seasonal agricultural workers.

• MSPA, including the law, regulations, and compliance assistance information.
• USDOL Employment Law Guide - MSPA, including who is covered, provisions, and sanctions.

New Hire Reporting

Federal and state laws require employers to report newly hired and rehired employees.

• Georgia New Hire Reporting, including information about online reporting and other options.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

This federal-state program provides temporary benefit payments to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and meet other eligibility requirements.

• USDOL State UI Benefits Overview
• USDOL UI Tax Overview
• Federal-State Partnership Laws and Agreements
• GDOL Rules including those for unemployment insurance
• Georgia Code

Whistleblower Protection

Protection from discrimination for workers who exercise safety and health rights enforced by USDOL Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN)

The Act that requires certain employers to provide 60 days advance notice of company closings and mass layoffs.

Worker Eligibility Verification (New)

Section 2 of the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act of 2006 (Act 457) requires public employers, their contractors and subcontractors to verify the work eligibility of all newly hired employees through an electronic federal work authorization program. The new requirements become effective on July 1, 2007

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Enacted on July 22, 2014, this law supersedes the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The WIOA amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. WIOA authorizes the Job Corps, YouthBuild, Indian and Native Americans, and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker programs, in addition to the core programs.

Workplace Safety and Health

USDOL Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) works to prevent injuries and protect the health of workers.

• USDOL Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including the laws, regulations, and services.
• USDOL Employment Law Guide - Occupational Safety and Health