1. Wage and hour
Minimum wage, overtime eligibility, exempt versus non-exempt classification, meal and rest breaks, and recordkeeping. State rules frequently exceed the federal floor.
2. Anti-discrimination and equal opportunity
Protections covering race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information, plus expanded categories under many state laws — applying to hiring, pay, promotion, and termination alike.
3. Workplace safety
OSHA obligations to maintain a safe workplace, provide training, record incidents, and refrain from retaliating against workers who raise safety concerns.
4. Leave and benefits
Family and medical leave, state paid leave programs, ACA coverage requirements, and continuation of coverage after separation.
5. Labor relations
The right to organize and engage in protected concerted activity, collective bargaining obligations, and — highly relevant in media and production — the requirements of applicable union agreements.