Three Federal Laws Regulating Employers in the United States

Practicing in Berwyn, Illinois, Jerry Marzullo is a partner at Puchalski Goodloe Marzullo, LLP. A member of the American Bar Association, Jerry Marzullo of Berwyn is focused on employment and labor relations law.

There are numerous federal laws that ensure the fair treatment of employees in the United States. These three are among the most significant: 

- The Fair Labor Standards Act 

This act applies to organizations engaged in interstate commerce. The act establishes the minimum acceptable standards for minimum wage and overtime pay. It also restricts working hours for children below the age of 16 and prohibits the employment of minors (those younger than 18) in certain industries. 

- The Occupational Safety and Health Act 

This act established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency which is mandated to promulgate regulations ensuring the health and safety of workers in the workplace. The act also mandates employers to provide workers with work environments that are free from severe hazards.

- Employee Retirement Income Security Act

This act covers employers who provide pension or welfare benefit plans to employees. The act imposes fiduciary and disclosure duties with regard to pension and employee benefit plans. It also mandates the payment of insurance premiums by certain plan administrators to protect retirement benefits.