Labor laws were created for the benefit of employers and employees. They exist so that employees can be treated fairly and their rights can be protected. Indeed they were meant to protect both sides of the workplace, but how often do employees mistreat businesses?

This is what makes employment law important. However, many workers don’t even take the time to understand them. That should change. Here are a few benefits to understanding your labor law.

It will prevent wrongful dismissal

Employment law was created to produce a harmonious relationship between businesses and their employees. They create a mutual understanding between all involved parties and minimizes disputes. 

Without these laws, businesses and employees would have a hard time treating each other fairly; and it’s the employees who would most frequently be on the receiving end. Businesses would hire and fire at will. And with no laws to govern employment, wrongful dismissals would be very frequent.

Understanding the laws educates you on the difference between termination for cause, and termination without cause. This will also help you take the necessary actions should you be fired without justified cause.

You will get a better grasp of employment contracts

When hiring, most businesses will ask employees to sign a contract that governs the terms of their employment. Most people don’t even read the contract, yet it’s a big part of understanding employment law.

That document is very important considering it outlines the obligations of both parties. It describes employee duties, expected compensation and the circumstances that may justify dismissal. Recognizing the importance of the contract helps both businesses and employees clarify the extent and nature of their relationship and minimize disputes that may result from future disagreements.

 Labor laws protect employees against discrimination

Under employment law, employers are required to treat all employees equally and without discrimination on any basis including color, race, disability, age or gender.

In cases where an employee feels that they have been discriminated against, understanding labor laws can help them take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is served. This may involve pursuing their claim with a court or with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This is where seeking the help of law firms such as Ejrosenlaw.com can comes in handy.

It will ensure that your health and safety are prioritized

Under employment law, all employees have a right to work in a safe and healthy workplace. Besides, workers have a right to refuse work believed to be unsafe, to be trained in handling workplace hazards and to help identify and resolve workplace safety and health concerns. 

Understanding this can help you as an employee ensure that your workplace isn’t hazardous to your health. It can also give you a strong basis for exercising your workplace health and safety rights.

It prepares you for life after dismissal

Have you ever wondered what you will do after your contract with your current employer is terminated?

It’s not a question many people ask themselves until after they have resigned or been fired. After termination of employment, most workers are free to seek employment wherever they want including with the competitors of your former employer. That is unless they signed a valid non-solicitation or non-compete agreement in which case it would be illegal.

In a nutshell, non-solicitation agreements prevent workers from soliciting their previous employer’s suppliers, clients, customers or employees, while non-compete agreements prohibit employees from competing with their employers after dismissal.