Abstract
This paper discusses the labor laws relevant to the guarantee of a non-discriminatory work environment. It focuses on how labor laws are applied within the labor union environment in protecting against discrimination. It explains that the labor laws in the United States are primarily governed by the U.S. Department of Labor which oversees approximately 180 various laws and regulations governing employment.

From the Paper
"Labor laws in the United States are overseen by the Department of Labor which, collectively, oversees approximately 180 various federal labor oriented laws. This body of laws and regulations oversee many workplace activities relevant to more than 10 million unique employers and more than 125 million unique employees. The following major labor laws constitute some of the most broadly applicable and well-known labor laws. Additionally, since unions constitute some the largest forces in labor across North America, labor laws pertinent to unions are also discussed. However, it should be mentioned that regardless of union membership, union members are, of course, entitled to the same protections on the existing body of labor laws that any employee is as well as a host of other protections vis-?vis his or her union contract. Pay & Schedule The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) outlines the standards for wages and overtime pay, which affect most private and public employment in ..."

Tags:department, labor, laws

Abstract
This paper discusses child labor laws in the United States. It starts off by discussing the history of child labor in this country and why there was a great need for reform. It also tells the reader the struggle that reformers went through to get child labor laws on the books. Next, the laws regarding child labor are discussed for today's times. The consequences of violating the laws are also mentioned.

From the Paper
"The United States government has enacted many laws and regulations over the years to protect the rights of workers in this country from unfair labor practices, employment discrimination and abuse. One of the groups of people that the government has enacted this type of legislation to protect is that of children, some of the most vulnerable workers. Throughout this paper I will examine child labor laws in the United States. I will give the background for such laws and the history of child labor in this country, including situations which created the needs for these laws. Furthermore, I will discuss how these laws have evolved over the years and what effect child labor laws have on the workplace today. Although child labor is not a big issue today as far more youth are in school than working during current times, this was not always the case."

Tags:child, labor, laws

Abstract
This essay discusses some of California's most important and current labor laws, outlining how each law affects California's business climate. It also determines whether these labor laws are beneficial or detrimental to the apparel industry. It specifically outlines some of California's labor laws, which are considered some of the most stringent in the nation.

From the Paper
"According to a recent study, one in every five California businesses reported that they have restricted hiring because of employment lawsuits (Sullivan, 1996). Nearly half of all businesses surveyed said that California labor laws, such as employment termination laws, have made liability insurance more expensive, while about 10 percent reported that labor laws have actually caused a reduction in the number of employees on payroll. In addition, businesses reported that labor laws have made it more difficult to get information on references on prospective employees, and more than half said that they will not provide references on former employees. Under past law, employers were protected from libel or slander suits for statements made that did not show malice toward a former employee regarding the job performance or qualifications."

Tags:job, performance, employee, apparel

Abstract
A nation's labor laws, stipulating work hours, job security, vacations, retirement age, compensations, employment opportunities, and chances for advancement for protected groups are intrinsically connected to that country's espoused politico-economic ideology. The paper shows that the United States, in which the capitalist market ideology prevails, has a set of labor laws, which differ in several significant areas from those that operate in many Northern European countries, such as Germany, where democratic socialism shapes national politico-economic ideologies. In comparing between several key aspects of German and American labor policies and laws, the paper concludes that, while Germany furnishes its population with a more positive work atmosphere, empowering it vis-a-vis corporate owners and establishing a legal framework that would guarantee job security, the fact remains that some perceive this as having curtailed the growth and the more efficient/effective operation of native organizations/firms. In an overall analysis, this paper illustrates that it is better to be a worker in Germany than in the United States.

From the Paper
"The point here is that, in comparison to the United States where the power of labour unions is steadily declining, German labour unions have remained consistently powerful and are in charge of negotiating practically all employment contracts, ensuring that equitable terms are offered to all workers, irrespective of gender, race, or age (Boldt, 2003). Thus, the power of the labour unions in Germany has negated the need for those laws which emphasize equitable employment terms, which are so prevalent in the United States."

Tags:trade, unions, compensation

Abstract
This paper discusses the Chinese labor laws. The paper examines such legal and economic issues as the Chinese minimum wage, overtime, maximum amount of hours allowed in a work week, retirement, and benefits. The paper explores how these issues relate to gender equality, age discrimination, child labor, disabled workers, turnover rate, and the unemployment rate.

From the Paper
"Chinese law does not set an official, uniform, national minimum wage, ostensibly to reflect the vastly different expenses of living in various provinces. Instead, it allows local governments to determine their own standards on minimum wages. But although China has no official flat minimum wage, and this varies by province (causing a certain amount of consternation between urban and rural areas and the wage rate discrepancy,) to give a rough idea of how minimum wages are calculated, in a story about new hourly minimum wage regulations in Zhangzhou (Fujian) comes the formula for calculating such wages. "The hourly minimum wage standard = [(the monthly minimum wage 20.92 8) * (1+ the proportion of the premium paid by the enterprise for each worker's retirement and basic medical insurance)] * (1+ fluctuation coefficient). The fluctuation coefficient takes into account the differences between temporary or casual workers and full-time personnel with regard to stability, working conditions and the intensity of the job, and the difference in welfare provided. ("Zhangzhou ceding xiaoshi zuidi gongzi [Zhangzhou determines the minimum hourly wage]," Haixia dushibao [Strait News], 01 July 2004, Cited by Stephen Frost on July 2, 2004)"

Tags:zhangzhou, minimum, wage

Abstract
This paper discusses the current labor laws in Russia, subject to free market forces, changes in the way business is done and illegal agreements within the context of pressure from the World Bank for lasting economic reform.

From the Paper
"The reform of Russia's labor legislation has become a pressing issue for international agencies over the last few years. An important consideration for the Russians is that the World Bank has attached high priority to radical changes in the law as one of the conditions of its Social Protection Adjustment Loan.It is reported that employers in the private sector constantly violate existing labor legislation to achieve a more flexible and self-determinate situation, leading to a conclusion that job security for workers can only be obtained by moving away from labor contracts and binding collective agreements to more free market considerations and little or no labor legislation (Standing, 1996)."

Tags:independent, inter-regional, research, institute, purposes, surveys, identify, scale, characteristics, employment, new, private, sector

Abstract
This paper covers the evolution of child labor laws from 19th Century England through the present. The author discusses harsh working conditions endured and injuries suffered by children. Cited are specific pieces of legislation and non-profit campaigns aimed at stopping the phenomenon.

From the Paper
"Child labor in 19th century England was a shameful practice that many of us never look back on. The displaced working classes took it for granted that a family would not be able to support itself if the children were not employed. Therefore, children as young as five years old were working 12 hour shifts for less then 20 dollars a day. The conditions in which these children worked were below standards. It was a long and deadly fight to regulated child labor laws in England during the 19th century. Today many of us take for granted the regulations on child labor; we act as if this is how it has been since the beginning. What we do not realize is how much child labor has progressed since the 19th century. Three hundred years may sound like a long time but when you consider how life was for a child then and compare it to a child's life today, I think you'll begin to come to a better understanding of exactly what we have gone through to get where we are today."

Tags:19th, century, history

Abstract
In this article, the writer contends that while ethical behavior is always in the best interest of all stakeholders of a company, a U.S. firm should be concerned with matching its labor practices to the local legal and cultural climate. The writer maintains that this is because it will then be more able to weather changes that come to that environment.

From the Paper
"U.S. firms often set up production facilities in other countries to take advantage of the lower cost of labor. The lower wages are not considered unfair because the cost of living is also lower in those areas. Also the local labor laws are often more lenient abroad those in the U.S. While ethical behavior is always in the best interest of all stake holders of a company, a U.S. firm should be concerned with matching its ..."

Tags:u.s., firm, local, labor, law, business, ethic, legal

Abstract
The paper discusses how the COBRA and FLSA laws both help reduce the stress and anxiety that can go with the loss of a job. The paper explains that before the FLSA and COBRA laws were passed, there were many employers who were taking advantage of their workforce in several ways. The paper details the purpose both laws serve. The paper makes recommendations to update and improve the laws.

Outline:
Introduction
COBRA
FLSA
My Opinion

From the Paper
"Since their inceptions both COBRA and the FLSA have served an important purpose in the employment world. Throughout the nation employees work hard and help the companies that employ them to build empires of wealth, however, if there are bumps in the road either on the part of the employee or employer the company often goes on to continue growing while the employee, who helped build that company is left out in the cold. COBRA and FLSA both help reduce the stress and anxiety that can go with the loss of a job for reasons other than Gross Misconduct."

Tags:fair, standards, employer, wages, compensation

Abstract
The paper explains that as globalization has increased during the past few decades, so have child labor practices. The paper defines the term "child labor" as children under 18 years of age who work in both the formal and informal sectors, in conditions that are potentially harmful and who receive less than the minimum wage. The paper relates that while many developing countries have laws to protect children, enforcement is difficult since child labor is already established as a structural part of the economy. In many poor countries, families depend on a child's income for life's necessities. The paper describes how child labor has become a primary issue in international relations today, but highlights how the issue involves many controversies that are not easily solved.

From the Paper
"Children have always worked along side their families to help out as a means of survival, however defining what is appropriate work for children often involves complex judgements, particularly for firms doing business on a global scale (Bachman). There has been increased pressure on international business from social activists, trade unions, and others to find new solutions that will put an end to exploiting child labor and allow children to receive education and training to ensure they will become productive adults (Bachman)."

Tags:economy, globalization, wage, international