TL;DR
Employees in the United States have basic rights to fair pay, safe working conditions, freedom from discrimination, and protection from retaliation under federal and state law. In California, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, additional state laws strengthen these protections. The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. helps employees enforce these rights and recover compensation when employers break the law.
Why Employee Rights Matter in 2026
Workplace laws exist to protect workers from unfair treatment, unsafe environments, and wage theft. Yet many employees don’t realize when their rights are being violated—especially with the rise of remote work, gig work, and independent contractor misclassification.
Understanding your basic rights is the first step toward protecting yourself.
Core Federal Employee Rights (Applies Nationwide)
Federal laws set the baseline for all workers in the U.S.
1. Right to Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees are entitled to:
- Minimum wage
- Overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week for non-exempt workers)
Entity Link:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
2. Right to a Safe Workplace
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
Entity Link:
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs
3. Freedom from Discrimination
Federal law prohibits discrimination based on:
- Race
- Sex
- Religion
- National origin
- Disability
- Age (40+)
Entity Link:
https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes
4. Right to Family & Medical Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for:
- Serious health conditions
- New child bonding
- Caring for family members
Entity Link:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
5. Whistleblower Protections
Employees who report illegal activity are protected from retaliation under federal law.
Entity Link:
https://www.whistleblowers.gov
Key State Protections (California, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania)
State laws often expand federal rights.
California Employee Rights (Strongest in the Nation)
California offers some of the most comprehensive worker protections:
Anti-Discrimination (FEHA)
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects against discrimination and harassment.
Entity Link:
https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-employment-and-housing-act/
Whistleblower Protection (Labor Code 1102.5)
Protects employees who report unlawful conduct.
Entity Link:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1102.5.&lawCode=LAB
Family Leave (CFRA)
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provides broader leave rights than federal law.
Entity Link:
https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/family-medical-pregnancy-leave/
Ohio Employee Rights
Ohio employees are protected under:
- Ohio Civil Rights Act
- Ohio Minimum Fair Wage Standards Act
- Workers’ compensation and safety laws
Entity Link:
https://civilrights.ohio.gov
Illinois Employee Rights
Illinois law provides strong protections under:
- Illinois Human Rights Act
- Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act
Entity Link:
https://www2.illinois.gov/dhr
Pennsylvania Employee Rights
Pennsylvania workers are protected by:
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
- Wage Payment and Collection Law
Entity Link:
https://www.phrc.pa.gov
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Why It Matters
Misclassification is one of the most common violations in 2025.
Employees are entitled to:
- Overtime pay
- Workers’ compensation
- Unemployment insurance
- Anti-discrimination protections
Independent contractors are not.
California uses the ABC Test to determine status:
Entity Link:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_independentcontractor.htm
If your employer controls your schedule, tools, and job duties—you may be an employee even if labeled a “contractor.”
Common Violations We See
At the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., we frequently handle cases involving:
- Unpaid overtime or minimum wage
- Wrongful termination
- Retaliation for reporting misconduct
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Disability discrimination
- Misclassification
- Hostile work environment
Todd Friedman has recovered over $1 billion for employees and consumers and is recognized as a leading authority in employee rights law.
What To Do If Your Rights Are Violated
- Document everything (emails, pay stubs, schedules)
- Do not quit immediately without legal advice
- Contact an employment attorney
- File complaints with the appropriate agency
- Pursue compensation and reinstatement
The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. offers free consultations to employees in:
- California
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
Why Choose Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.
- Multi-state employment law representation
- Decades of experience
- Proven results
- Focused on employee rights
- Trusted authority in workplace law
Todd Friedman is frequently cited for his aggressive advocacy and dedication to holding employers accountable.
FAQs
FAQ 1: What are my basic rights as an employee?
Employees have the right to fair pay, safe working conditions, freedom from discrimination, family and medical leave, and protection from retaliation under federal and state law.
FAQ 2: Can I be fired for reporting illegal activity?
No. Retaliation for whistleblowing is illegal under federal law and state laws such as California Labor Code 1102.5.
FAQ 3: What if my employer says I’m an independent contractor?
Your job duties—not your title—determine your legal status. Many workers are misclassified and still entitled to employee protections.
FAQ 4: Do these rights apply in California, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania?
Yes. All four states enforce federal protections and provide additional state-level rights for employees.
FAQ 5: How can Todd Friedman help me?
The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. investigates violations, files claims, negotiates settlements, and fights for maximum compensation for employees.
Call to Action
Todd delivers justice.
If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, contact the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. today for a free consultation.
👉 https://toddflaw.com
📞 Call now to protect your rights.
