Employee rights may vary depending on state. Below is a summary, and each of these elements includes complexities and regulations specific to every case. It is critical to be informed of both state and federal rules, since they may apply differently depending on the size of the company and the specifics of the employment situation.
Fair Employment Practices
The Civil Rights Act of Arizona prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age (40 and over), national origin, or disability.
Minimum Wage and Overtime
There are yearly adjustments to minimum wage due to inflation. Employers must pay employees 1.5 times the regular rate for any hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek.
Employee Rights to Meal and Rest Breaks
While Arizona does not have specific rules on meal or rest breaks, federal law considers short breaks (usually 5-20 minutes) to be compensable time. However, meal breaks (typically 30 minutes or more) are not.
Paid Sick Leave
Through the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act, employers are required to provide paid sick leave to employees. There are two factors to be considered in calculating the amount of sick leave an employee is entitled to:
- The size of the company, and
- The number of hours worked by the employee
Right to Work
The state of Arizona is a “right-to-work” state. Obliging an individual to join a union or pay union dues as a condition to employment is illegal.
Medical Marijuana
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act protects registered eligible patients from discrimination in the workplace. Employers are authorized to discipline workers who are impaired at work.
Employee Rights to Workplace Safety
Employees in Arizona have the right to a safe working environment. The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) is in charge of the state’s workplace safety.
Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodation
Discrimination against employees due to pregnancy or childbirth is illegal in Arizona. Adequate adjustments should be provided as long as it won’t cause excessive inconvenience for the employer.
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment benefits in Arizona are available to workers who lost their jobs for no fault of their own.
Workers’ Compensation
Injuries on the job or work-related illnesses happen. In such cases, these employees may be eligible to workers’ compensation benefits.
Employee Rights to Leave
Employees receive various types of leave in Arizona. This includes the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons.
Retaliation
Employers retaliating against employees is illegal in Arizona. These employees must show that they are doing the following:
- Exercising their rights
- Reporting violations, or
- Participating in an investigation or lawsuit
Each category mentioned above have specific rules and conditions. Don’t try to do this alone. Consult a legal professional who specializes in your area of concern within your jurisdiction.