As an employee in the state of Arizona, it is important to understand your rights and protections under employment law. This article will provide a general overview of key laws and regulations that apply to employees in Arizona.
The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act
The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act, also known as Proposition 206, was passed in 2016 and requires all employers in Arizona to provide paid sick leave to their employees. Under this law, employees are entitled to earn and use up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, accrued at a rate of one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
In addition, the Act also includes a minimum wage increase, gradually increasing the minimum wage from $11.00 per hour in 2020 to $12.15 per hour in 2021. After 2021, the minimum wage will continue to increase annually based on cost-of-living adjustments.
Discrimination and Harassment Laws
Employees in Arizona are protected from discrimination and harassment in the workplace under both federal and state laws. The Arizona Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to this law.
In addition, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits discrimination based on the same protected categories, but applies to employers with 20 or more employees. This law also prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace.
At-Will Employment
Arizona is an at-will employment state, meaning that employers can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason at all, as long as it is not illegal. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, employers cannot terminate an employee for discriminatory reasons or for exercising their legal rights, such as filing a workers’ compensation claim or reporting workplace safety violations.
Workers’ Compensation
Under Arizona law, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill due to their job duties. It also protects employers from being sued by employees for work-related injuries or illnesses.
Unemployment Benefits
If you become unemployed through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits in Arizona. To qualify, you must have earned a certain amount of wages during a specific period of time and be actively seeking new employment. You can apply for benefits through the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Final Thoughts
As an employee in Arizona, it is important to understand your rights and protections under employment law. If you believe that your employer has violated any of these laws, you may have legal options available to you. It is recommended to seek the advice of an experienced employment law attorney to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action.
J. Horowitz leverages over two decades of experience as a seasoned employment law attorney in Arizona to offer insightful freelance writing on the same subject. After a successful career advocating for fairness and justice in the workplace, J. now dedicates his expertise to writing comprehensive articles, blog posts, and thought leadership pieces that illuminate the complexities of employment law.