Labour law

Labour law (or labor law) is the body of laws, administrative rulings, and precedents which address the legal rights of, and restrictions on, working people and their organizations. It mediates many aspects of the relationship between trade unions, employers and employees.

History

The history of labour law concerns the development of labour law as a way of managing and regulating work relationships. The first labour law was passed in Britain in 1802 to regulate child labour. This was followed by the Factory Act of 1833, which limited the working hours of women and children in British factories.

Types of Labour Law

Labour law can be classified into two main types: individual labour law and collective labour law.

Individual labour law concerns employees' rights at work and through the contract for work. It includes terms such as minimum wages, working hours, health and safety, and unfair dismissal.

Collective labour law relates to the tripartite relationship between employee, employer and union. It involves issues such as collective bargaining, strikes, and trade union recognition.

Labour Law by Country

Labour laws vary greatly from country to country, and can be influenced by a variety of factors including cultural norms, level of economic development, and political ideologies.

United States

In the United States, labour law is regulated by federal and state statutes, administrative agency regulations, and judicial decisions. Key federal laws include the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, labour law is primarily governed by the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

See Also

• Employment contract
• Employment discrimination
• Minimum wage
• Workplace safety