Are Business Laws in Europe Similar to the United States? Busn310 Unit 2 Ip Aiu online

Are Business Laws in Europe Similar to the United States?

BUSN310 Unit 2 IP

AIU Online

Abstract

In this paper, I will compare and contrast employee rights and employer responsibilities between the countries of the U.S. and Europe. To fully understand the law of business, it is imperative to be knowledgeable of the laws, customs and ethics for both countries. Will an employee be subject to termination if they voice their concerns? What are the policies pertaining to insubordination? To better understand these questions, we will review the basic laws, cultures and ethics between each country.

Are Business Laws in Europe Similar to the United States?

After a recent career move, Mary has quickly discovered that her fellow colleagues and manager are not compliant with the company's policies in the U.S. or Europe. In any business, whether in the U.S. or Europe, the rights and responsibilities of the employer and its employee's play a vital role in its operations (Hurst, 2004). As a working individual, it is crucial to know your rights and your employer's responsibilities. Laws are set in place to protect each individual. In reviewing the laws, it has come to my attention that most employees are unaware of their rights. Required by law, employees have the right to: breaks (i.e., two fifteen minute breaks within eight hour work day, a thirty to sixty minute lunch, FMLA (family medical leave), pay (i.e., compensation, paycheck, etc.) and pay raises (i.e., increase in hourly and/or salary pay), discrimination (i.e., sex, race, age, disability, religion, language, etc.) and safety (i.e., to avoid danger or harm, etc.) (International Labor Issues, 2008).

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) was created to protect employees and their rights by requiring that businesses cannot discriminate against an individual because of: Race/Color, Religion, Sex, Age, Disability, National Origin, Retaliation, Pregnancy, Equal Compensation, Genetic Information and Sexual Harassment (International Labor Issues, 2008). The law allows individuals to apply for employment without discrimination. All employees working within the U.S. and its territories are protected by the EEO laws regardless what their work or citizenship status may be. "The only omission to the rule transpires when an employer is not a U.S. employer, thus resulting in a treaty or other binding international agreement permitting the business to choose its own natives for employment" (International Labour Organization (ILO), 1996-2004).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require employers to comply with many rules and regulations. Employers are obligated by law to provide a safe work environment, free or harm and/or injury, to provide all required equipment needed to protect its employees, to visibly post an official OSHA sign notifying employees of the employers responsibilities, and much more (International Labor Issues, 2008). Employers are responsible by law for not only protecting their employees, but also to provide equal opportunity employment to every individual.

Employees have the right to voice their concerns. Employees have the right, under state and federal regulations, to disagree or even voice concerns to their employer if they feel its plans may compromise their health and/or safety (August, Mayer, & Bixby, 2009).Most employees avoid speaking out due to the fear of any lash-outs or possible termination. It is important to review your employer's policies and rules to best determine future actions in regards to voicing concerns or disagreeing with the actions of an employer (BUSN310 Unit 2 Course Materials, 2012).

Employees of the European Economic Area (EEA) are protected by the European Union (EU) employment law (Employment Law: European Union, 2012). Each country has implemented its own unique regulations and policies pertaining to employee rights and employer responsibilities (Employment Law: European Union, 2012). The EU employment law is very similar to that of the U.S. The law requires adequate working conditions and fairness, just as the EEO and OSHA (Employment Law: European Union, 2012). The EU employment law requires that employees are to be treated equally and without discrimination (International Labor Issues, 2008). Employees have the right to be compensated for their time worked and to be allowed paid time off. Employees have the right for their privacy to be protected, just as in the U.S (Hurst, 2004).

In the U.S., employees have the right under law to be employed and/or terminated, which is covered by the 'At-will employment' law (Hurst, 2004). The law basically states that an employee can be hired and terminated 'at-will' during anytime. On the other hand, European law is much different. The EU employment law, states that all decisions regarding 'hiring and/or firing'