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Employment rights law in Maryland is a set of legal protections and standards designed to ensure fair treatment for employees in the workplace. These laws govern the relationship between employers and employees by establishing rules on wages, working hours, discrimination, harassment, leave entitlements, health and safety, and wrongful termination. Employment law in Maryland is shaped by federal regulations, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as unique state-specific statutes and regulations. Maryland’s legal landscape seeks to strike a balance between the needs of businesses and the protection of workers’ rights.
Workplace disputes can be stressful and confusing. Certain situations make it especially important to seek legal advice or representation from an attorney skilled in Maryland employment law. These scenarios include:
A qualified employment rights attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in proceedings if necessary.
Maryland employment rights laws work in conjunction with federal laws to provide comprehensive coverage to workers throughout the state. Some of the main features of Maryland’s employment laws include:
Maryland also offers protections for youth workers, pregnant employees, victims of domestic violence, and others under specific statutes.
As of 2024, the Maryland minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage and is set to gradually increase with planned adjustments. The current rate may vary depending on the size of the employer and local jurisdiction. It is important to check the latest rates on official state resources.
If you are facing discrimination at work based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or another protected characteristic, Maryland law protects you. You have the right to report discrimination to your employer, file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and seek legal remedies.
Most employees in Maryland are entitled to overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, unless specifically exempt under state or federal law.
Maryland is an “at-will” employment state, which means you can generally be terminated at any time for any reason or no reason. However, it is illegal for employers to fire you for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for exercising your legal rights.
Yes, under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, many employers are required to provide paid sick and safe leave. The amount of leave depends on the size of the employer and the amount of hours worked.
You can report safety violations to your employer or directly to Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH). Your employer is prohibited from retaliating against you for reporting safety concerns.
Workplace harassment includes unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. Harassment becomes unlawful when it is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile or abusive work environment.
Many Maryland employees are covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family or medical reasons. Some state-specific laws also offer additional protections.
Keep records of your hours and wages, bring the issue to your employer’s attention, and consider filing a wage complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor if the issue is not resolved. An employment lawyer can also advise you on how to recover unpaid wages.
Recent Maryland law limits the enforceability of non-compete agreements for employees earning equal to or less than a certain wage threshold. For higher-earning employees, non-compete agreements may still be enforceable if they are reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area.
If you need more information or assistance, several resources and organizations can help with employment rights issues in Maryland:
If you believe that your employment rights have been violated or you simply need guidance on a complex workplace issue, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Here are the steps you should consider:
Employment rights can be complex, and deadlines for claims may be strict. Acting promptly and seeking professional legal help can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
