2019 HBCU Careers Magazine

HBCU Careers Magazine

retaliation can be a disciplinary action, demotion, salary decrease, involuntary termination, or job reassignment. Fortunately, federal and state laws exist to protect employees from retaliation whenever they file claims or complaints. Gender -Pay (EPA) - The Equal Pay Act states employers cannot pay female employees less than male employees for equal work on jobs that require equal skill, effort and responsibility. Pregnancy Discrimination (PDA) - The Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits job discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth and associated medical conditions. An employer is also prohibited, from denying, terminating employment, coercing or forcing an employee to go on leave because an employee is pregnant or had an abortion. In most states, employees have a right to certain levels of privacy in the workplace. This right applies to personal possessions, including handbags or briefcases, storage lockers accessible only by the employee, and private mail addressed only to employee. Employees have a right to privacy in their personal telephone conversations or voicemail messages. However, employers may monitor calls with their clients or customers for reasons of quality control only. An employee has limited rights to privacy with regard to e-mail messages and internet use while using the employer's computer system. Job applicants also has certain rights when seeking employment. For example, a potential employer may never ask a job applicant certain family-related questions during the hiring process that have no direct impact on a candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of a job. An employer may not conduct a credit or background check of an employee or prospective employee unless the employer notifies the individual in writing and receives permission to do so. Whether you are a potential job seeker or employee, you have specific rights under the law. It is important to know and understand basic employment laws as every individual has the right to be free from discrimination and harassment of any kind regardless of religion, gender or race. For an in depth look at the employment law guide from the United States Department of Labor, click on the following link https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/elg/ .

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