How Are Workers Losing their Rights to Sue for Discrimination and Unfair Labor Practices?
Fact Sheet – Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund – February 2004 Workers’ rights to fair compensation, fair treatment, protection against unfair labor practices, and protection against discrimination are enshrined in federal civil rights laws. The Fair Labors Standards Act (FLSA) requires that workers receive a minimum wage and overtime pay, and protects them against unfair labor practices. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) guarantees workers the right to join unions without fear of management reprisal. Recent Supreme Court decisions have substantially eroded the force of these two important laws, leaving many workers without any protection against unfair, exploitive, and retaliatory practices by employers. Moreover, the enforcement scheme envisioned by Congress – i.e. individuals protecting their civil rights – has been eroded for state employees. The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund believes that all workers deserve a workplace environment t
