Maryland Employment Lawyers

In Maryland, employee rights are protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Some Maryland employee rights include the following:

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - Federal law that requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide 12 weeks of unpaid time off every year due to illness and caregiving to employees who are eligible.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - Federal law that protects employees’ wages (minimum and overtime).
• Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) - Federal law that protects most employers and employees in most private sectors and some public sectors.
• Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) - Federal law that protects job applicants and employees from discrimination based on certain protected classes.
• Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) - State law that guarantees equal opportunity to employees and employers -- in apprenticeships, job referrals, pre-employment questions, and job advertisements. Employees are also protected from harassment on basis of a protected class and retaliation. FEPA applies to employers with 15+ employees, however, complaints of unlawful harassment may be filed against employers with 1 or more employees.
• Maryland Health Working Families Act (MHWFA or “Sick and Safe Leave”) - Employers with 15+ employees must provide paid earned safe and sick leave.

Your Maryland employee rights may be different based on the number of employees your employer has and the number will be different based on the type of employer you have -- if your employer is private, a local or state government agency, a federal agency, or an employment agency or labor union.

Maryland Employment Law FAQ

What is the Minimum Wage in Maryland?

As of January 2022, the minimum wage in Maryland increased from $12.20 to $12.50 an hour. For employees who are tipped, there is a minimum cash wage of $3.63 an hour for those whose earnings plus tips are at least equal to the minimum wage rate in Maryland.

Are 15-minute Breaks Required by Law in Maryland?

If you are an employee who is covered by the Shift Break Law, then you are entitled to breaks based on the hours you have worked.

If you work:

• For more than 4 hours, but 6 or fewer consecutive hours, then no break is required
• For 4 to 6 consecutive hours, you may have a 15-minute break. If you work less than 6 consecutive hours, you may choose to waive the 15-minute. break through a written agreement between you and your employer.
• For more than 6 consecutive hours, you’re entitled to a 30-min. break
• 8 or more consecutive hours, you may have a 30-min. break with a 15-min. break for every additional 4 consecutive hours that you work. The “additional consecutive hours” begin after your previous break. For example, if you work a 10-hour shift and you are given a 30-min. Break on your 5th hour, then you are entitled to a 15-min. Break at hour 9.
  • Note: If you are entitled to a 30-min. break, then you are not entitled to a 15-min. break as well.

Treated Unfairly in the Workplace? Call (410) 213-3392.

 If you believe your employee rights were violated, reach out to a seasoned Maryland employment law attorney from a Cockeysville employment law firm at The Law Office of Andrew M. Dansicker. We are backed by years of experience and have devoted our lives to righting the wrongs in the workplace. Reach out to us today.