Human Rights Watch has listed a number of problems these migrants face including non-payment of wages, extended working hours without compensation, and unsafe working environments resulting in death and injury. In addition, they experience filthy living conditions in labor camps. Their employers also confiscate their passports and travel documents despite laws against the practice. They are then unable to return home or seek other jobs and so limiting their options in solving their abusive problems. However, the Minister for Labor and Social Welfare, Ali bin Abdullah al-Kaabi has undertaken some reforms that will help improve labor practices in his country.

Discrimination

The right to equal treatment is recognized as a worker’s right. This is regardless of gender, origin and appearance, religion, and sexual orientation. In many countries, this is an illegal practice. Nonetheless there continues to be a wage gap between genders and other groups and many see it as a persistent problem.

In the USA, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 is a law which prohibits age related discrimination especially in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance; for instance, schools and colleges supported by the U.S. Department of Education.

Contract of Employment

The contract document is a basic feature of labor law in almost every country. The responsibilities and demands of the employee and the employer are mediated through the contract of employment. This has been a practice since the collapse of feudalism and forms the core reality of modern economic relations. The terms and conditions in the contract are informed by legislation or common law, so that restrictions are placed on the freedom of people to agree to certain things so that employees are protected, and also facilitate a fluid labor market. In the U.S. for example, majority of state laws have provisions that allow for employment to be “at will”, that is, the employer can terminate the contract for whatever basis, as long as it is not illegally motivated, which includes violation of public policy.

This article should not be treated as a legal advice.

Are you or someone you know the victim of unhealthy employer discriminatory treatment? Shavitz Law Group located in Miami, Florida can help with labor laws and lawsuits.