Texas workers have a set of federal and state laws designed to protect their rights. Among the most important, the following stand out:
Fair Labor Standards Law.
It contemplates the right of workers to receive a fair and adequate salary for the work they do. In this sense, together with the Texas Minimum Wage Law, it obliges employers to pay the federal minimum wage, or more, to state workers. Likewise, it regulates the records, levels, and standards for the fair payment of overtime work.
Texas Payday Law.
It establishes that workers are assigned safe salary paydays in the country’s legal currency in an adequate and timely manner, without deductions not authorized by the worker. It also applies to the payment of bonuses and commissions if they are contemplated.
Civil Rights Law. Title VII 1964.
This law, and the Texas Labor Code, protect the civil rights of workers and job applicants against all types of discrimination based on race, religion, age, gender, national origin, or any class protected by this law, including workplace harassment and sexual harassment.
Law for the Protection of Agricultural, Migratory, and Seasonal Workers.
Regulates the conditions of these workers regarding the payment of agreed wages; work supplies; written agreements on regulations and working conditions; hiring and provision of housing, food, security, and means of transportation, if applicable.
Texas Workers’ Compensation Law.
Texas employers are not required to offer workers’ compensation insurance to their workers. However, those who choose to do so are governed by the Texas Labor Code to provide compensation and medical benefits to employees who suffer a work injury.
Unemployment Compensation Law
Legally assists unemployed workers who meet the requirements to receive a partial and temporary economic benefit.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
It establishes the regulations and responsibilities employers have to provide a healthy and safe work environment for their workers.