Key Terms
Employment at will
Either party can end employment at any time, any reason, no notice required. Protected class: group protected from discr
Protected class characteristics
Race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability.
Adverse actions include
Failure to hire, failure to promote, demotion, termination.
Whistleblower
An employee who reports the employer's illegal behavior to a governmental or law enforcement agency.
Passed
1935 Three rights guaranteed to workers: 1. Right to organize 2.
Five exempt categories (no overtime required)
1. Executive 2.
Covered
Spouse, child, parent NOT covered: siblings, grandchildren, in- laws
Trade-off
Amounts are often lower than lawsuit awards, but payment is upfront and risk-free.
Union
An organization formed to negotiate with employers on behalf of workers collectively about salary, benefits, hours, and
Collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
The employment contract negotiated between the employer and the union that regulates employment conditions.
Bargaining unit
Group of employees authorized to bargain collectively.
Supervisor definition
An individual with authority to make independent decisions on hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting other employees
Conditions of employment include
Benefits, retirement benefits, order of layoffs and recalls, production quotas, work rules (including safety practices),
Concerted activity
Action taken by employees (usually union members) concerning wages or working conditions to gain a bargaining advantage.
Strike
An organized cessation or slowdown of work by employees to compel the employer to meet their demands.