When is overtime due?
For covered, nonexempt employees, the FLSA requires overtime pay at a rate of not less than one and one-half times an employee's regular rate of pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek. Some exceptions to the 40 hours per week standard apply under special circumstances to police officers and fire fighters employed by public agencies and to employees of hospitals and nursing homes.

Some states have also enacted overtime laws. Where an employee is subject to both the state and Federal overtime laws, the employee is entitled to overtime according to the higher standard (i.e., the standard that will provide the higher rate of pay).

What is employment discrimination?
Discrimination generally occurs when an employee is intentionally treated differently because of the employee`s race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation (depends on state) or age because of the employer`s system, such as its hiring process, has a negative effect on people in the protected categories or classes. To prove unlawful discrimination, employees must be able to show that an action affecting employment was based on the fact that the employee belongs to a protected class. If the action is intentionally discriminatory, it is called disparate treatment. If the operation of the employer`s system had an unintentional discriminatory effect, it is said to have a disparate impact. Even if the employee`s evidence is sufficient to show discrimination, an employer may be able to justify this action by proving that there was a business necessity for it or that a legitimate job qualification required consideration of a factor that had an unintentional discriminatory effect. When the employer makes such a legitimate justification, the employee must show that discrimination, not the employer`s justification, was the true reason for the action.

What is employment at-will?
Employment at-will is a term that appears in most employment contracts. It implies that either party is entitled to terminate the agreement without notice for any reason, unless the termination violates federal or state laws or public policy. A notice period may be specified by company policy, for example, in the Employee Handbook, and this could affect at-will status.

What is Workers` Compensation?
The workers` compensation system provides payment to workers who are unable to perform their duties because of an injury or illness sustained in the workplace. In most situations, the employer`s liability is limited to paying wages and medical expenses. Each state has its own statute. If an employee can prove that the employer intentionally caused the illness or injury then the damages can be far more significant.