Employment Law Terms and Definitions

Affirmative Action Proactive action to accomplish the purposes of a program which is designed to increase the employment opportunities of certain groups, which may involve goals, timetables, or specifically outlined steps to be undertaken to assure that objectives are reached. Curb Cut Also called a curb ramp, it is a depression built into the curb of a sidewalk to permit passage by a wheelchair. The incline should not exceed a gradient of 1:12 and the flat surface width should be no less than 4 feet wide. Mentoring Is an educational process where the mentor serves as a role model, trusted counselor or teacher who provides opportunities for professional development, growth and support to less experienced individuals in career planning or employment settings. Individuals receive information, encouragement and advice as they plan their careers. Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the "ADA"), as amended, 42 U.S.C. §12111, et seq., prohibits discrimination in employment against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability. It also is unlawful under the Act for an employer to take retaliatory action against any individual for opposing employment practices made unlawful by the ADA or for filing a discrimination charge or for testifying or assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under the ADA. Human resource management system (HRMS) An integrated software application that supports a variety of human resource functions, including benefits, payroll, recruiting and training, performance analysis, and provides data review and reporting tools. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §791, ("Section 501"), requires departments and agencies of the federal government to have an affirmative action program plan for the hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq., prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, national origin and religion. It also is unlawful under the Act for an employer to take retaliatory action against any individual for opposing employment practices made unlawful by Title VII or for filing a discrimination charge or for testifying or assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under Title VII. Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 Recipients of federal funding for law enforcement under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 3789d, are prohibited by that statute from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Master agreements A contract between the employer and the exclusive bargaining representative. For collective bargaining, the employer is represented by the governor or the governor's designee. The LRO will negotiate contracts with each union that represents more than 500 employees. Full Time Employment Defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as employment of 35 hours or more in a week.

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	Did You Know?
	About at will employment In certain states, employers do not have the right to terminate employees "at will" if the termination violates public policy, an implied employment contract, or an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.