Employment Law

Employment law refers to the laws according to the government regarding employment or labour. This is an important effort of the government to provide and protect the human rights. These laws ensure that employees can't be overworked, underpaid, placed in unhealthy or dangerous places to work. Employment laws also ensure that the employees can’t be unfairly discriminated.

The following are some of the laws that pertain to the employment law of India:

• Wages:

  There may be laws stating the wages to be paid to employees for their work. Wages can be paid on a daily/ weekly/ monthly basis. No employee should be underpaid. Different companies may have different wages slots. Other compensation benefits may also be provided. Bonuses may be given to employees to motivate them to perform better.

• Working Hours:

  This may be the number of hours an employee should work. Again different companies have their norms. Normal office employees work on a five day basis. Factory workers work six days a week. In most places working beyond eight hours is overtime and the employee should be paid extra.

• Health and safety:

  Every company should follow health and safety rules. If anything unexpected happens to an employee at workplace the company will be responsible. In factories or dangerous environments, safety precautions should be followed. Harnesses should be worn. Fire extinguishers should be installed in fireplaces.

• Leaves:

  Like the other laws, every company should also follow leave policies. Employees should be given leaves such as sick leaves, casual leaves, and privilege leaves. Sick leaves can be availed when an employee falls sick. Maternity leaves should also be applicable to avail for women employees.

• Discrimination:

  In an organization employees should not be discriminated. There will be people of different backgrounds and different cultures. All should learn to work with peace and harmony in the workplace.

There are many other laws with regard to employment. Each country may have different laws followed by their companies.

Review Questions:

• What is employment law?
• List some of the employment laws followed in your state.