Welcome to Assignment 13
This assignment covers the web of federal and state laws that govern the employer-employee relationship. From discrimination protections (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) to workplace safety (OSHA), wages and benefits (FLSA, FMLA, ERISA, COBRA), and employee privacy — employment law touches every aspect of the insurance industry.
Exam Alert!
Key exam topics: disparate treatment vs. disparate impact, employer size thresholds (15, 20, 50 employees), COBRA duration (18 months), FMLA leave (12 weeks unpaid), and race is NEVER a BFOQ.
What You Will Learn
1. The employment-at-will doctrine and its contract/tort exceptions
2. Federal antidiscrimination laws: Title VII, ADEA, ADA, Equal Pay Act
3. Disparate treatment vs. disparate impact theories of discrimination
4. OSHA requirements, workers' comp relationship, and wage/hour laws (FLSA)
5. Employee benefit regulations: ERISA, COBRA, and FMLA
6. Employee privacy protections and whistleblower laws
Assignment Parts
Discrimination Laws
Title VII, ADA, ADEA, Equal Pay Act, protected classes, BFOQ defense, disparate treatment vs. disparate impact, sexual harassment, and retaliation claims.
Workplace Safety & Benefits
OSHA and the general duty clause, labor-management relations, FLSA wages and overtime, FMLA leave, ERISA, COBRA continuation coverage, and workers' comp.
Privacy, Whistleblower & Other Laws
Employee privacy rights, polygraph restrictions, HIPAA, at-will employment doctrine, whistleblower protections, military service (USERRA), and wage garnishment.
Quick Reference Summary
Title VII
Prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin. Applies to 15+ employees.
ADEA
Protects workers age 40+. Applies to 20+ employees. No mandatory retirement.
ADA
Reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Covers physical, mental, infectious diseases. 15+ employees.
COBRA
18 months health coverage continuation after termination. 20+ employees. Employee pays full premium.
FMLA
12 weeks unpaid leave. 50+ employees. Job protection + health insurance continues.
OSHA / OSH Act
General duty clause: keep workplace free from recognized hazards. Enforced by inspections.