One of the biggest worries for many small business owners is running afoul with employment laws. The number of labor laws in the U.S. has increased significantly in the last several years. There are countless federal and state agencies such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division that govern these regulations. All of these agencies are looking at all aspects of labor management to ensure small business owners comply with the laws. Forget to comply with one of myriad laws and you will find yourself in the crosshairs of one these agencies. The consequences of running afoul can range from hefty fine to even jail time. So what can you do to ensure you don’t end up in this situation?
There are several steps you can take to avoid being in trouble:
Make yourself familiar with all the different employment laws and regulations. Some of the most important regulations you need to be aware of are Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Pay Act, the WARN Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In addition, different states have their own regulations that you should become familiar with.
Seek external counsel of employment lawyers. These lawyers have knowledge and experience to guide you through the intricacies of labor regulations. They can not only help you keep a close eye on your operations to avoid running afoul, but can also help fight litigation if needed. Our advice is to hire the lawyer in the local community. If you operate your business in Florida, for example, it is better to hire Orlando business attorneys since they will be familiar with state and local laws and can guide you properly.
