25 Service Law Questions Answered for Employees and Employers

General Service Law

What is service law?

It governs employment relationships, stating rights, obligations, and protections for employers and employees.

What is the purpose of service law?

To ensure fair treatment, resolve disputes, and regulate workplace conditions.

What are the primary sources of service law?

Statutes, contracts, regulations, and court rulings.

Employee Rights

Also read:

What are basic employee rights?

Fair wages, safe work environments, non-discrimination, and privacy.

What is wrongful dismissal?

Termination of employment without just cause in law or contrary to the terms of contract.

What is the significance of employment contracts?

They provide the legal basis for obligations, remuneration, benefits, and the resolution of disputes.

What are the rights of employees in layoff?

Notice periods, severance pay (if applicable), and rights under unemployment benefits programs.

Can an employee decline overtime work?

Yes, unless contractually bound or statutorily required in certain positions.

Employer Responsibilities

What are the obligations of an employer under service law?

Safe workplaces, agreed wages, and labor laws.

What is vicarious liability?

Liability of the employer for illegal acts done by the employees in the course of their work.

What are the legal requirements of workplace safety?

Compliance with OSHA or similar safety standards and hazards dealt with promptly.

How should an employer deal with employee grievances?

By establishing a formal grievance mechanism and dealing with complaints fairly.

What is constructive dismissal?

When an employer’s actions force an employee to resign, effectively breaching the contract.

Wages and Benefits

What is equal pay for equal work?

A principle mandating no pay discrimination for the same job based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics.

What happens if wages are delayed or unpaid?

Employees can report to labor authorities or sue for breach of contract.

What benefits are legally mandated for employees?

They vary by jurisdiction but may include paid leave, health insurance, and retirement contributions.

What is wage garnishment?

Court-ordered deductions from an employee’s pay to satisfy debts.

Can employers alter pay structures unilaterally?

Only with legal compliance and prior employee consent, where required.

Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

What constitutes workplace harassment?

Unwelcome conduct based on race, gender, religion, or other protected traits that creates a hostile environment.

What are anti-discrimination laws?

Anti-discrimination laws to prevent unfair hiring, promotion, and treatment of employees in the workplace based on protected characteristics.

Dispute Resolution

What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

Mediation or arbitration of a workplace dispute out of court.

Can an employee sue over issues in the workplace?

Yes, such as wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, and discrimination.

Termination of Employment

What is legal cause for termination?

Misconduct, poor performance, redundancy, or a breach of contract.

What is a severance package?

Compensation offered to employees upon termination, often including pay, benefits, and assistance.

What are unfair dismissal claims?

Legal claims filed by employees for being terminated without proper cause or due process.

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