Federal law bans discrimination based upon protected classes. These classes include race/religion, ancestry/color, and nationality. It also prohibits discrimination due to disability, age, and any association with members of these protected categories. Employers have a duty to treat all employees fairly in most cases.
Federal law prohibits harassment based solely on race. In certain cases, employers may be found guilty of violating the law. Employers under 18 years are protected by federal law. The law prohibits discrimination against people based on their age, race and disability or marital status.
Employers can either adopt an existing policy or develop a new benefit that meets all the requirements of the law to comply with the law. Employers that are contemplating eliminating voluntary paid sick days should examine their policies to ensure compliance.
Both workers and employers would benefit from an increase to the minimum wage. It would create more jobs in the local economy, and lower state service costs. It would also help businesses who are struggling to fill open roles. The Republicans in the state legislature believe that minimum wage rises should be determined based on market conditions.
Pennsylvania's overtime pay rules require that employers pay their employees 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for every hour they work more than forty-five hours per week. These amounts are generally between $12 and $18 an hour. Many employers refuse to pay overtime because their employees work less than 40 hours per week and are therefore not salaried.
