Most working people don’t know their rights at work. Membership with the Gainesville ROC entitles you to legal support (as well as community support) in defending your rights on the job. Below are links and an explanation to some of the government agencies which might provide a source of trouble for disrespectful, nasty bosses.

National Labor Relations Board - http://www.nlrb.gov/

The NLRB is the federal agency which governs workers’ rights to “protected concerted activity,” which is defined as any sort of action by two or more workers to better or improve their working conditions. You are absolutely protected in petitioning or making demands on management (for a higher employee discount, for improved safety conditions, or for paid smoke breaks) and it is illegal for employers to harass, fire, discipline, threaten or in any way harm your working standards because of your actions. The NLRB is also the agency which governs union and management relations.

Occupational Health and Safety Administration - www.osha.gov

OSHA is the federal agency which governs workplace safety and health issues. As their website states, OSHA’s goal is “to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.”

Many employers do not follow OSHA laws in how they arrange and handle job duties and assignments. Knowing the laws regarding workplace health and safety can be a great tool when it comes to standing up for yourself and your coworkers on the job.

Florida Unemployment - http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/uc_emp_claims.html

Unemployed and can’t find work around town? It’s not your fault. There’s only so many jobs in town and tons of young people looking to work them. So, file for unemployment while you’re looking. You’ve already paid for it out of your taxes, so you may as well use it. The application is easy and it only takes a few minutes to fill out.

US Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division - http://www.dol.gov/esa/WHD/

The Wage and Hour Division of the DOL is the federal agency which enforces laws pertaining to overtime pay, the federal minimum wage, the Family Medical Leave Act and several other pieces of legislation that protects workers from being cheated out of money they earned at work. Here’s the contact information for the Wage and Hour Division office in Gainesville:

401 SE 1st St.
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 376-0271