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Labor Law in Houston, like all of the United States, is a broad area of the law that mainly involves issues between employers and employees. It encompasses employment contracts, wages, benefits, workplace safety, discrimination, and wrongful termination. There are both federal and state labor laws. In Houston, Texas, there are specific provisions that one should be aware of, such as "At-Will" employment and Texas Payday Law.
Legal complications in labor law may arise from various situations. You may require legal advice or representation if you feel you have been unjustly terminated from your job, discriminated against by your employer, denied wages or benefits, or if you have been injured at work. Labor laws are complex and having a lawyer can assist in understanding your rights and potential remedies.
In Houston, the principal state statutes governing labor laws are included within the Texas Labor Code. The Texas At-Will employment provision means an employer may terminate their relationship with an employee for any reason or no reason but not for an illegal reason. The Texas Payday Law covers all Texas businesses regardless of size and addresses how and when a worker should be paid and what happens if an employer fails to pay wages timely.
"At-Will" employment means that either the employer or the employee may terminate their working relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason at all. However, termination cannot be for an illegal reason such as discrimination or retaliation.
The Texas Payday Law is the statute that regulates the payment of wages to employees. It states that an employer must pay wages to their employees at least twice a month on regularly scheduled paydays. If an employer fails to pay due wages, employees can file a wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, if you work more than 40 hours in a single work week, you might be entitled to overtime pay, which is 1.5 times the regular pay rate. However, certain employees are exempt from overtime pay based on their job duties and salary.
Workplace discrimination happens if an employer treats an employee or job applicants less favorably because of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or veteran status. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission handles these cases.
No. The law provides protections against retaliation. Employers cannot take adverse action (e.g., firing, demoting, or denying benefits) against employees for exercising their lawful rights.
For additional help, consider these resources:
Texas Workforce Commission: Handles wage claims and matters regarding worker's rights.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Handles cases related to workplace discrimination and retaliation.
The American Bar Association (ABA): Provides helpful resources about labor law and can assist with finding a lawyer.
If you require legal assistance in Labor Law, identifying your issues and seeking the help of a lawyer is crucial. You can contact the Houston Bar Association for references or the American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Directory. Document your employment issues meticulously and bring said documents with your questions prepared for your consultation with the lawyer. Remember, consultation sessions don't commit you to hire the lawyer and you can get multiple opinions on your case.
