Picking Up Extra Income Over The Holiday Season? Five Ways Harrisburg Labor Laws Protect Your Rights
In the days after Halloween, store owners are busy taking candy and costumes off their shelves to make room for holiday decorations. Thanksgiving kicks off one of the busiest times of the year, and retailers, restaurants, and other businesses are already hiring. If you plan on picking extra work throughout the season, our Harrisburg labor-employment lawyer wants you to know your rights. The following explains five ways Pennsylvania labor laws help protect you.
Seasonal Workers Are Entitled To Fair Treatment
According to an October 3, 2024, WNEP News report, a sluggish economy has put a dent in holiday sales projections. However, retailers throughout the United States are still expected to hire over 500,000 workers to fill the demand. Working on a part-time, seasonal basis may not provide future job security, but it can help in picking up extra income and offsetting holiday expenditures.
As a seasonal worker, you may be low on the totem pole in terms of job perks, but you are still entitled to fair treatment. The following are six ways Pennsylvania labor laws protect your rights:
- Employers Must Pay Fair Wages.
While employers must pay the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, seasonal workers are generally entitled to the same wages as permanent employees who fulfill similar job roles.
- You May Be Entitled To Overtime Pay.
The PA Department of Labor and Industry advises that, while there are some exclusions, temporary workers must get overtime if they put in more than 40 hours per work. The rate is 1.5 times that of your normal hourly wage.
- You Have The Right To Expect A Safe Workplace.
General safety laws in PA require employers to maintain a safe workplace and provide workers with proper safety gear and training. When they fail to do so, you have the right to file a complaint and your employer could face heavy fines and other penalties if they threaten you or otherwise attempt retaliation.
- If You Are Injured, You May Be Entitled To Workers’ Compensation.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania protect workers when job-related injuries happen. Even if you are a seasonal worker, you may still be entitled to worker’s compensation if you are hurt on the job. Also, if you held other jobs at the time of your injury and are unable to work, you may be entitled to a higher worker’s compensation rate even if a seasonal employer accepts your worker’s compensation claim.
- You Are Entitled To Protection Against Harassment and Discrimination.
Part-time and seasonal hires may be surprised to find they face hostility from their coworkers. Be aware that those who engage in a pattern of demeaning, insulting, or discriminatory behavior against you in the workplace are in violation of Harrisburg labor laws. They can face serious penalties, as can supervisors or business owners who tolerate it.
To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Harrisburg Labor and Employment Lawyer
Part-time, seasonal jobs can put extra money in your pocket, but you could find yourself treated differently than other employees. If you think your rights have been violated, contact Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. We take the legal actions needed to protect you. Schedule a consultation with our Harrisburg labor and employment lawyer today.
Sources:
wnep.com/article/news/nation-world/retailers-are-ramping-up-hiring-for-the-holiday-shopping-season/507-98d5e293-b806-4aad-a789-a4bd067d28ae
pa.gov/en/agencies/dli/resources/compliance-laws-and-regulations/labor-management-relations/pennsylvania-s-minimum-wage-act/wage-faqs.html#accordion-18745ff6e1-item-0a52b10bc5
pa.gov/en/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/general-safety.html
pa.gov/en/agencies/dli/programs-services/workers-compensation.html
