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Several laws in Texas protect workers’ rights in relation to compensation, labor policies and occupational safety. The Texas Workforce Commission is a government agency responsible for ensuring that Texas employees have access to the resources they need to seek and maintain reasonable employment in companies that are flexible to state labor laws. Texas workers have many rights and these are reinforced at the state and federal levels.
Salary and salary rights
Texas employees have the right to receive fair and adequate wages for the work they do. Federal law requires employers to compensate employees according to the minimum wage standards required by the United States Department of Labor. The Texas Minimum Wage Law prohibits state employers from paying their employees a salary below federal minimum wage levels. In addition, the law gives workers the right to negotiate a salary that is higher than the minimum.
Fair labor rights
Fair labor standards protect workers’ rights regarding fair pay, overtime standards and records. Young workers are also protected from performing work that is potentially dangerous or inappropriate for their age. Texas employers must keep records of employee hours. Workers have the right to review their hours worked as well as the compensation they receive in return. Overtime must be paid to Texas workers who perform their labor obligations exceeding 40 hours per week. According to the Department of Labor, overtime is considered “once and a half” the normal amount of pay of the worker.
Workers Compensation
Texas employees who suffer work-related injuries that limit their ability to perform their normal duties may have the right to receive compensation benefits. These benefits pay a portion of the lost salary due to an injury at work. Workers’ compensation can also pay medical, burial or death benefits if an employee has a fatal accident at work. An injured employee in Texas files a lawsuit to obtain “injured employee” benefits against their employer in the Texas Department of Insurance.
Discrimination
Texas employees have many civil rights. These prohibit discrimination against an employee in relation to their age, race, gender, nationality or any other class protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. State employees who feel they have been discriminated against have the right to file a complaint in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC investigates complaints and a half in disputes between employees and employers. Texas employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file discrimination complaints.
Unemployment Rights
Texas employees who suffer the loss of their job may be entitled to unemployment compensation. Unemployment benefits are monetary compensation provided to compensate unemployed people until they return to work. Workers who have been separated from their work by their employer “without your fault” may be entitled to benefits. For example, if an employee was laid off or their hours were reduced due to lack of work, the person may be entitled to benefits. State employees must file an unemployment insurance claim with the Texas Workforce Commission to determine their suitability and receive benefits.