Employment Law in Texas

Common areas related to Texas employment law:

• Employment Discrimination — Both state and federal laws protect employees from being discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, genetic information, and age.
• Sexual Harassment — The Texas Labor Code and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit this behavior. It can include many actions (such as inappropriate remarks, lewd gestures, memes, touching, and groping). and rape.
• Hostile Work Environment — Hostile work environment is a workplace where unwelcome conduct creates an environment that is “intimidating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people.
• Wrongful Termination — Wrongful termination is when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, violating labor laws, or breaching an employment contract.
• Retaliation — Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes an adverse action against an employee for engaging in a legally protected activity. This means the employer cannot punish someone for asserting their rights, reporting violations, or cooperating in investigations.
• Unpaid Wages and Overtime — Texas, unpaid wages and overtime violations are serious legal issues, and experienced employment lawyers can help employees recover what they’re owed under both state and federal laws.
• Leave and Benefits — Lawyers can play a vital role in helping individuals leave harmful situations—such as domestic violence, unsafe housing, or exploitative employment—and secure benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other entitlements.

Texas Labor Laws

Texas labor laws are meant to set the standards for minimum wage, the fair treatment of employees, and the environment in the workplace for both staff and management.

• Overtime pay
• Meals and breaks
• Severance pay
• Pay periods
• Child labor
• Harassment
• Discrimination

Minimum wage and overtime laws in Texas

The minimum wage in the State of Texas is $7.25 an hour, which is the same as the current federal level. The Texas Minimum Wage Act has also imposed certain guidelines related to employees who aren’t exempt from this law. They must receive a written statement from their employer that provides more specific information about their pay, earnings, and any possible remedies listed under civil law if a violation has occurred.

Employers are prohibited from paying a wage that falls below the current ederal level, and workers are allowed to bargain for higher pay. If employees make money from tips, they can be paid less than the federal minimum wage if it brings in enough money that’s equivalent to $7.25 an hour. But they must be paid at least $2.13 an hour. Texas has no specific laws related to the payment of overtime, but federal laws do apply (which requires 1.5 times of your regular pay). The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires companies to pay overtime if their employees work more than 40 hours in a week. But if they fall within certain exceptions, they aren’t entitled to overtime pay.

The Family and Medical Leave Act

Texas labor laws are meant to set the standards for minimum wage, the fair treatment of employees, and the environment in the workplace for both staff and management.

• The birth or adoption of a child.
• Caring for a spouse, child, or parent who is seriously ill.
• Employees who need medical treatment for a serious illness.

For assistance with employment law matters, please reach out to The Gale Law Group at (361) 808-4444

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