Labor economists analyze how the supply and demand of labor affect the relationship between employees and employers, including wage trends, demographic changes, and unemployment. They focus on the workforce and use information to measure the health of the labor market and make assumptions about its future. A bachelor’s degree in economics is a minimum requirement […]
Collective bargaining agreements are employment contracts negotiated between trade unions and company representatives. They include terms such as wages, working hours, and safety considerations. If negotiations fail, unions can threaten to strike, and the government may mediate. Union membership gives access to union benefits, and negotiations for a new agreement involve worker and union representative […]
International labor law protects the rights of workers and employers globally, with a focus on social justice. The International Labor Organization (ILO) establishes standards to protect workers and employers from exploitation, including the right to join workers’ groups and associations, equal pay, and the prevention of child labor. Globalization and trade liberalization present new challenges, […]
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 was passed to protect workers from abuse during the Industrial Revolution. It established a living wage, overtime pay, and laws for the employment of minors. Amendments have expanded protections and raised the minimum wage. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 is a bill passed to protect workers […]
Employment certification is required for US employers to hire non-immigrant foreign employees on a permanent basis. The employer must prove the job cannot be done by a US citizen. The process is controversial, but protects US jobs. The job description must follow strict guidelines set by the US Department of Labor. The procedure was revised […]
Labor efficiency measures how well a workforce performs a task compared to industry standards. Companies assess efficiency to identify weaknesses and improve quality while reducing costs. Comparing hours required to produce a product or service and tracking changes in labor efficiency over time can help reduce production time and costs. Increasing efficiency can lead to […]
Labor disputes can arise during negotiations or when an agreement is violated. Disputes can escalate into walkouts and become costly, leading to government intervention. Disagreements can be over wages, time limits, or violations of agreements. Negotiations can prevent strikes, but sometimes disputes arise over non-negotiable issues. Unions prioritize safe work environments, fair pay, and limits […]
Labor mediation is a voluntary or court-required process where a professional mediator helps employees and employers negotiate a resolution to disputes arising from labor laws. Workers are entitled to fair wages, safety, and other protections under labor laws. If a worker’s rights are violated, they can contact the Fair Labor Standards Board or sue in […]
Labor trafficking is the illegal transportation of people for menial work in factories, shops, agriculture, and meat packing. The textile industry is often associated with labor trafficking, with small factories paying low wages and requiring long hours. Some workers are not paid and are treated like indentured servants. Human trafficking rings trick young women into […]
Unfair labor practices violate laws such as the US National Labor Relations Act, which protects employees’ rights to strike, form unions, and work in a discrimination-free environment. Many countries have laws protecting workers’ rights, including regulations on working conditions, breaks, and property maintenance. Unfair practices can also involve firing and trade union affairs. Special regulations […]
Prison work varies in type and purpose, with some facilities using it to provide skills and earn money, while others use it as punishment. In the past, prisoners were given meaningless tasks, but now they are put to productive work that benefits the prison. Inmates are limited to non-dangerous projects and those that don’t involve […]
The attorney’s work product doctrine protects tangible and intangible material prepared by a lawyer in anticipation of litigation. It includes inter-office memorandums, notes, and voice-taped notes. The protection also extends to non-legal parties. The doctrine has limitations and may not apply if the other litigant cannot obtain the substantial equivalent of the protected material by […]
Child labor laws exist in most countries, but are not always enforced. Children are exploited in various industries, including domestic work and the sex trade. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child aims to combat child labor, but its effectiveness is questionable. Poverty is a major factor in child labor, and critics […]
Induced labor can be elective or due to a medical emergency. It is recommended that it should not be performed before 39 weeks of gestation. Induced labor is commonly used for medical conditions that endanger the mother or baby. It can be achieved through the use of hormones or by breaking the water bag. The […]
Employment litigation involves lawsuits between an employee and employer regarding issues such as discrimination, harassment, pay, and benefits. Employers can protect themselves by having written expectations, anti-harassment policies, and responding to complaints. Retaliation is illegal. Most cases are settled out of court. Employment litigation is a lawsuit in which an employee sues an employer or […]
Labor migration is the movement of workers from one location to another due to changes in technology, new industries, or company relocation. It can be voluntary or involuntary, and often involves offering qualified employees the opportunity to relocate. Labor migration can have an impact on both the locations left behind and the areas where migrants […]
Labor market analysis studies the relationship between workers and employers, including employment rates, wages, and education levels. It is used by governments, businesses, and academia to measure the effects of economic policies and determine competitiveness of wages. It has a direct effect on GDP and international trade, and is important for developing and middle-income nations […]
A workforce is a group of people qualified to work in a specific job situation, including unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labor. Companies often assess the labor pool before opening a facility and may consider demographics when choosing a location. The definition of a workforce can vary, including those actively employed or unemployed but trained. More […]
A labor of love is a selfless act of altruism, often in the form of volunteering for a cause or helping animals, children, or the environment. It is a high form of love that brings fulfillment and is motivated by inner desires. It is the “golden rule” of doing unto others as you would have […]
The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects data on employment rates, workers’ benefits and conditions, and prices in the United States through surveys and monitoring commodity prices. It publishes monthly and quarterly reports, including the widely used Consumer Price Index, and studies occupational safety. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a US government agency responsible for […]
