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THE LAW AFFECTS JUST ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF WORK. Federal and state
laws regulate the hiring process, terms and conditions of employment, and the
circumstances under which employees can be fired.
The law helps shape the relationship between employer and employee. The law
does not address every issues that can arise in the employment relationship, but a basic
understanding of what the law does require can help both the employer and employee
anticipate problems and avoid trouble.
Understanding your legal rights does not mean that those rights can only be
enforced by a lawsuit in court. A lawsuit should be viewed as a last resort, not as a starting
point. Lawsuits are costly and time-consuming. Rather, employers and employees should
first try to discuss their differences. Such discussions are easier and more productive when
both sides understand how the law affects the situation. Many employers try to anticipate
problems before they occur, and solve problems when they do arise.
This chapter can help both employees and employers understand how the law
affects their rights and obligations at work. It explains the laws and suggests places to turn
for further details. Each section in this chapter briefly explains a specific area of law and
then answers commonly asked questions.