Your union contract as well as federal and state laws guarantee that your rights are respected while you’re at work. Here are some Rights at work FAQs-
My boss keeps hitting on me. Isn’t this illegal? What can I do?
I’m in high school, and I never seem to have time to do my homework because my employer is always asking me to stay late. Can they do that?
I punched out for the night yesterday, but before I made it to my car, my boss said that they really needed help restocking, and asked me to pitch in off the clock. Is that legal?
Recently, my boss has been asking me to work with some machines that I don’t feel safe around. What are my options?
Our new manager has started making all the people of color work in the back room. He also has been saying some really racist stuff. What can we do to make him stop?
I’m going to have a baby, and my boss has started asking me when I’ll be leaving work. My doctor says that I can keep working for months. Do I have to leave work now? Will my job be there when I get back?
My child is really sick, and I want to take some time off work, can I do that?
My boss keeps hitting on me. Isn’t this illegal? What can I do?
You’re right, it is illegal, and you can make it stop.
Sexual harassment is when a boss or supervisor conditions some aspect of your job on your submission to his (or her) sexual advances. Also, unwanted verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature can constitute sexual harassment if it creates a hostile work environment. Both males and females can experience sexual harassment, and both are protected by law.
This illegal activity could include unwanted pressure for dates, sexual favors or actual or attempted sexual assault. Also behavior such as unwanted touching, hugging, sexual jokes, slurs, profanity, gestures, asking personal questions, and spreading rumors about your social or sex life could constitute illegal harassment if sufficiently severe or pervasive.
You don’t have to put up with this, especially if it’s from a manager. Talk to your union rep or the person your company has appointed to investigate complaints. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s goal is to eliminate illegal discrimination from the workplace for all workers. The EEOC’s website for youth in the workforce, contains helpful info on sexual harassment and discrimination as well as instructions on how to file a complaint.
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I’m in high school, and I never seem to have time to do my homework because my employer is always asking me to stay late. Can they do that?
If you’re under 16, federal laws protect you from working long hours - particularly when school is in session. If you’re 14 or 15, even more restrictions apply. Rules on hours can vary from state to state. Check out this website to find your states’ restrictions.
If you’re in high school, you probably needed to get a work permit. (Your school’s administration should be able to help you get one.) This work permit not only lets have a job, but also tells you what times you’ll be allowed to work. Let your union or school know if your employer is breaking the law.
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I punched out for the night yesterday, but before I made it to my car, my boss said that they really needed help restocking, and asked me to pitch in off the clock. Is that legal?
NO! Both Federal laws and your union contract protect you from having to complete in job-related duties off the clock. You must be paid for all the time you work. You should report the incident to your union rep or shop steward immediately.
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Recently, my boss has been asking me to work with some machines that I don’t feel safe around. What are my options?
Regardless of age, every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace. People under the age of 18 are prohibited from operating most machinery, for example, paper balers and compacters and your employer must tell you if any chemicals used could be harmful to your health.
Talk to your shop steward or union rep if you don’t feel safe at work.
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Our new manager has started making all the people of color work in the back room. He also has been saying some really racist stuff. What can we do to make him stop?
You’re right – this kind of behavior is wrong, and illegal. Workers are protected from job discrimination by law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This law also prohibits workplace harassment such as repeated, severe and pervasive ethnic slurs.
Step one is talking to your union rep or shop steward. You may need to file a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (the EEOC). To find out more about filing a complaint visit the EEOC's website for young workers.
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I’m going to have a baby, and my boss has started asking me when I’ll be leaving work. My doctor says that I can keep working for months. Do I have to leave work now? Will my job be there when I get back?
First of all, Congratulations on the new addition to your family! The law protects your rights at work while pregnant. You can remain on the job as long as you’re able to perform the work. The employer must hold open a job for a pregnancy-related absence as long as jobs are normally held open for workers on sick or disability leave. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act bans the employer from terminating, demoting or disciplining a worker because of her pregnancy.
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My child is really sick, and I want to take some time off work, can I do that?
In most cases, yes, your job is protected! The federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid and job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons in most places of work. Your union contract might provide additional time or compensation. Check with your union rep or shop steward.
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