Texas employees are protected by law with regard to fair wages, discrimination, and occupational safety. As an employee, you may not know your rights. This article is a quick overview of the laws which address employee rights in Texas. In addition, this article addresses where an employee can seek additional information.
The Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Workforce Commission (“TWC”) is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers in Texas. Moreover, the TWC is a valuable resource for any employee seeking information about employment discrimination and complaints that TWC handles. This includes unpaid wage claims, minimum wage, and child labor laws. Currently, the TWC is also providing information addressing COVID-19 questions facing many Texas employees.
Texas Laws on Employee Rights
Most Texas laws relating to employee rights are located in the Texas Labor Code. For example, Chapter 21 makes it unlawful for an employer or employment agency to discriminate based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, or age. Chapter 61, also known as the Texas Payday Law, covers wage claims of Texas workers. And Chapter 62, also known as the Texas Minimum Wage Act, sets the minimum wage for most Texas workers. It also requires employers to provide written earning statements.
Federal Laws on Employee Rights
A number of federal laws also address employee rights and may be applicable to Texas employees. Some of those federal laws include:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (which protects against race, color, religion, sex, or national origin);
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) (which protects workers who are 40 years or older);
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) (which protects disabled persons in federal, state, and local sectors); and
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) (which sets the federal minimum wage and includes the Equal Pay Act amendment).
Texas Employees and Employers Need to Understand Employee Rights
There are a number of state and federal laws addressing employee rights. Therefore, if you are a Texas employee with questions about your rights or feel your rights have been violated, it’s best to contact an experienced Texas employment lawyer. Likewise, if you are a Texas employer with questions about compliance with Texas law or potential legal consequences to an employment decision, a knowledgeable employment lawyer is an invaluable resource.
The labor and employment lawyers at Rogge Dunn Group know the law and have the experience needed to successfully prevent and/or resolve employment disputes. Three of the Firm’s employment lawyers are Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. For more information, visit our website or contact us here.