List and explain the four major areas of human resource law and give an example of legislation pertaining to each. Briefly explain each piece of legislation that you list.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Human resource laws fall under four broad categories:

1. Labor relations. Example: The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 allows the president of the United States to prevent or end a strike that threatens national security. The Wagner Act of 1935 established the National Labor Relations Board, which enforces procedures whereby employees may vote to have a union and for collective bargaining (negotiations between management and employees over compensation, benefits, working conditions, and job security).

2. Compensation and benefits. Example: The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established minimum living standards for workers engaged in interstate commerce, including provision of a federal minimum wage. Other legislation includes the 1993 Family & Medical Leave Act, the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the 2007 Fair Minimum Wage Act, which increased the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour.

3. Health and safety. Example: The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) requires organizations to provide employees with nonhazardous working conditions. The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires employers with more than 50 employees to provide health insurance.

4. Equal employment opportunity. Example: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to all organizations or their agents engaged in an industry affecting interstate commerce that employs 15 or more employees. Title VII established the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Commission, whose job is to enforce antidiscrimination and other employment-related laws.

The student may select other examples for each area.