Before the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) was enacted in 1935, employers could take advantage of employee’s ignorance to deny them rights. It took the intervention of the Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA) to customize the federal policy in such a way that it allows employees to voice concerns. The NLRA allows employees to legalize unions as bargaining chips to have their interests represented. Employees belonging to a union are also allowed to reject it as their representative.
What Does the NLRA Entail?
This labor law is clear on how employees should be paid and treated at their workplace, stating that:
- At no point should an employer victimize their employees for raising concerns on their wage rates and other matters affecting them in their workplaces.
- Employers should not prevent their employees from joining or participating in a union.
- Employers who acknowledge the union’s input interests should come to a collective agreement with them. The terms and conditions of employment can only be changed after negotiating with the union.
- Employees can also impeach their trade union representatives if they are dissatisfied with their leadership qualities.
- Employees are allowed to protest but not participate in specific types of strikes.
- Union members should be treated equally, regardless of whether they have paid their dues or not.
What Is the Minimum Wage for New York State?
Labor laws vary from state to state and are specific in their application. By December 31, 2018, the New York State Labor Department adjusted the minimum to $13.50 per hour. Companies that had more than 11 employees are to pay wages of $15 per hour, while the rest of the state pays a minimum of $11.10 per hour. This took effect immediately and can only expire on December 30, 2019.
If you’ve been injured in a labor accident and believe that you have the grounds to make a claim, Leav & Steinberg LLP is a leading legal firm in New York with an excellent reputation for having the best associates. We have over 17 years of experience and have won monumental cases from clients with various legal problems. Contact us to learn more about our services, associates, cases won, and legal fees.
