Your Rights as a Worker
Every worker in the United States has fundamental rights, regardless of where they work or their immigration status. Understanding these rights helps you protect yourself and ensure fair treatment at work.
What to know
You have the right to a safe workplace
You must be paid at least minimum wage and overtime
It's illegal for employers to retaliate against you for exercising your rights
You're protected from workplace discrimination
You have the right to join with coworkers to improve conditions
Basic Workplace Rights
Minimum Wage
You must be paid at least the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) or your state's minimum wage, whichever is higher. Some cities have even higher minimum wages.
Overtime Pay
Most workers must receive 1.5 times their regular pay rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a week.
Safe Working Conditions
Your employer must provide:
A workplace free from serious hazards
Required safety equipment at no cost
Safety training in a language you understand
Access to workplace injury records
Break Time
Many states require:
Meal breaks for shifts over 5-6 hours
Rest breaks during long shifts
Extra breaks for nursing mothers
Payment for certain types of break time
Protection from Discrimination
You cannot be treated unfairly based on:
Race or color
National origin
Religion
Sex or gender identity
Age (40 or older)
Disability
Genetic information
Pregnancy
Sexual orientation
This protection covers:
Hiring and firing
Promotions
Work assignments
Pay and benefits
Any other employment conditions
Right to Organize
You have the legal right to:
Talk with coworkers about working conditions
Share salary information
Join or support a union
Take action with coworkers to improve conditions
Strike and picket in most situations
Your employer cannot:
Prohibit you from discussing workplace issues
Ask about your union activities or beliefs
Retaliate against you for organizing
Fire you for union activity
Privacy Rights
Your employer must:
Keep medical records confidential
Protect personal information
Follow strict rules for monitoring
Get consent for certain background checks
You have the right to:
Access your personnel file
Keep non-work activities private
Refuse invasive monitoring
Know about workplace surveillance
Protection from Retaliation
It's illegal for employers to punish you for:
Reporting unsafe conditions
Filing a workers' comp claim
Complaining about discrimination
Supporting a union
Reporting illegal activity
Taking protected leave
Taking Action
If your rights are violated:
Document everything in writing
Keep copies of relevant paperwork
Note dates, times, and witnesses
Report violations to proper authorities
Consider speaking with a worker advocate
Where to file complaints:
Wage violations: Department of Labor
Safety issues: OSHA
Discrimination: EEOC
Union rights: National Labor Relations Board
Special Situations
Independent Contractors
Have different rights than employees
Must still be correctly classified
Are protected from discrimination
Can organize in many cases
Immigration Status
Core worker rights apply regardless of status
Protection from discrimination applies
Right to minimum wage and safe conditions
Right to organize and join unions
Support and Resources
Learn more about:
How to file specific complaints
Finding legal assistance
Worker advocacy organizations
Union support and resources
Remember: These rights are legally protected, but you must often take action to enforce them. Getting informed and documenting problems are your best first steps.