Common Questions about Labor Law Posters
Communication is vital in the workplace – especially when it comes to work-related information such as labor laws. Employees need to be informed about the updates that affect them and as the employer, you’re required to post updated information.
Often times, there are questions about what information should be printed on labor law posters, what posters are needed, and how and when they should be updated.
Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions about labor law posters, and resources from the United States Department of Labor (DOL.GOV).
Will my company receive a fine if I fail to post a labor law poster?
Posting requirements vary by statute and all businesses are not covered by the information on labor law posters. It’s best to verify what information needs to go on your poster with your state, federal or province agencies. For example, in the United States, failure to post Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law poster (Occupational Safety and Health Act/OSHA) will result in a citation and penalty.
Which posters do I post where “applicants”, as well as employees, can see them?
Per the DOL, display federal workplace posters in conspicuous locations where they’re visible to employees and others. The FMLA, EEO and EPPA posters are required to be placed where they can be seen by applicants for employment – in the US.
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Post in a conspicuous place where employees and applicants for employment can see it. If an employer is covered by the FMLA, display a poster at all locations, even those where there are no FMLA eligible employees.
- The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Poster – (“Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law”) post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment. Federal contractors and subcontractors covered by Executive Order 11246 must also post the notice where it is noticeable by representatives of each labor union with which the covered contractor or subcontractor has a collective bargaining agreement.
- The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) – Place Posters where they’re recognized by both employees and applicants for employment.
When should I update or replace my labor law poster?
State, federal and province labor law posters must be replaced whenever the language of the employment law changes. Failure to update could result in penalties.
We have many buildings at our workplace; do we have to post labor law posters in each building?
Well, it depends. Per DOL, all employees must be able to access the posters on a regular or daily basis. If all your employees do not report to a common location on a daily basis, then you’re required to post the notices at each building to fulfill your obligations. If employees meet in a central location or headquarters regularly and can view the labor law posters, then you’ve fulfilled the state and federal requirements.
Who do I contact for labor standards for the Canadian provinces?
The Government of Canada has a list of all the websites for the different Canadian provinces.