Labor laws are governmental laws that are passed in an effort to protect various working people and their organizations. In the United States, there are two different categories of labor laws: collective labor law and individual labor law. Each category protects a working individual or work organizations’ rights.
Since the early 19th century, governments have worked to ensure that workers are protected and receiving the compensation that they should. Here’s a closer look at what the current labor laws in the United States cover, what problems each labor law category works to resolve, and how employees are protected.
Individual Labor Law
The individual labor law category works to protect all aspects of a working employee’s relationship to the work they are contracted to do. Aspects such as employee contracts, minimum wage, working time, breaks, child labor, and health and safety are all covered under various laws. Administrative measures are passed under this category.
Collective Labor Law
The collective labor law category works to protect and create a lasting relationship between employees, unions and employers. Under the collective labor laws, items such as trade unions, strikes, pickets and amount of workplace involvement are covered under various laws and administrative measures.
Labor law is a complex area of the law that raises hundreds of questions by various working individuals. For answers to various questions surrounding labor rights and laws, seek the help of an attorney who specializes in labor law, or check out some of the questions that are asked on law advice websites like LawQA.com.


