Employment Law Refresher: Federal Agency Resources Available to Employers
California businesses and out-of-state businesses who employ workers in California must comply with federal, state, and local employment laws.
Unlike some states, where there may be limited or no state employment laws, California has established laws on almost every aspect of employment, and often times those laws are more detailed and objectively more protective than their federal counterparts. With the addition of local employment laws applicable to work performed in various cities and counties throughout California, employers must navigate both consistent and (sometimes) inconsistent obligations to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Most times, the law that provides the most protection to employees (typically the applicable California state law) will apply, though there are limited exceptions to this general rule. Employers with employees in California should consult legal counsel to confirm which rules apply to their operations for each specific situation, audit their employment practices, and stay up to date with changing federal, state, and local laws to mitigate the risk of legal action.
A prior legal update outlined resources from California state agencies. The following links provide information on a variety of employment-related topics from federal agencies.
Summary of Major Laws of the DOL
DOL Resources regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
DOL Information Regarding Federal Whistleblower Protections
DOL Information Regarding Retirement Plans Benefits and Savings
DOL Resources Regarding Labor Relations
(Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA))
DOL Resources Regarding the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts for Public Works Projects
US Equal employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
EEOC Legal Resources and EEOC Publications
EEOC Overview Regarding Disability Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodation Laws
Federal Resources on Employment of People with Disabilities
(includes various resources, including the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), which provides practical guidance regarding job accommodation solutions)
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
(for federal contractors)
The best way to be prepared and and ensure a compliant and supportive workplace is to be proactive and remain informed. Reviewing these resources and the California resources provided in the prior legal update, and consulting with legal counsel, will go a long way in accomplishing that goal.
This legal update and any use of its information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice for any specific employer or employment situation. Consult legal counsel before taking any action as a result of information contained herein.
