Q: What is "employment law"?

A: There are laws that govern most aspects of the relationship between employees and employers: hiring practices, employment contracts, working conditions, wages, benefits, promotions and job duties, disciplinary actions and termination.

Q: When can my employer fire or discipline me?

A: For many workers the answer is "anytime". Generally speaking, employers have the right to fire or discipline employees for any or no reason.

There are exceptions. Your employer cannot fire or discipline you because of your race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or age. Generally, your employer cannot take action against you in retaliation for "whistleblowing" or otherwise exercising your legal rights. If you are a union member or have a private contract that governs your employment, the union or private contract defines the terms of your employment and the obligations of you and your employer.

Q: What about hiring and promotions?

A: Again, unless there is a union agreement that enforces seniority, your employer can generally hire and promote or refuse to hire/promote as he or she sees fit. However, your employer may not use your race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or age as a basis for refusing to hire or promote you if you are otherwise qualified for the position.