All of us as adults (well, most of us) have a job. However, far from everyone knows their rights and can apply the law if they face conflict situations at work.

Employment Law in the United States is a vast document that prescribes how employers and employees should treat each other and what they are allowed and not allowed to do. It uncovers various matters like workplace safety, discrimination issues, pension and retirement plans, and others.

US Employment Law Facts You didn’t Know

It will take hours to learn it all, but there are some vital points you have to know from it.

1. Most employees can ask for up to three months of unpaid leave for certain reasons

Among these reasons are the need to care for a newborn baby or a close relative (for instance, a spouse, child, or parent) who experiences a harsh medical condition.

When you are absent, it is the employer’s responsibility to save your healthcare benefits; besides, your employer must offer you a position of the same range when you get back or restore your previous position.

There are also some conditions that you should match: for instance; you have to be in the company for no less than a year, your employer must have a certain number of workers (from 20 to 50, depending on your case), and others. You can find the details in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

2. Not all unfair workers’ dismissal cases are lawful

According to the law, in plenty of situations, an employee can be fired “at will,” which can be understood as at any moment for all possible causes.

Employers do not even have to explain why. This sounds rather unfair, and that is why there are some exceptions to this point.

For instance, your boss cannot fire you due to your religion, age, or gender identity. Other exceptions can be found in the Employment law.

3. Nothing can stop your ex-employer from giving you an unpleasant reference

However, this reference cannot be untruthful by law. So, your former employer cannot accuse you of things that you actually had not done while working at their company; however, they can say bad things about your personality or habits.

4. You cannot lose a part of your salary because you made a mistake

But you can if you are dishonest. Here is how it works: if you made a mistake or there was an accident or something broke, you should not compensate for it from your salary. However, if there is a cash shortage or an equipment breakage because of your misconduct or being dishonest, you should provide the money.

5. In many cases, it is legal for you to reject doing unsafe duties

You are free to refuse to perform work that you consider unsafe. There are some exceptions; however, in most situations, the law is on your side.