Bruno Pugh
Have you ever wondered what tasks your boss legally can’t ask you to do? Some requests like working through lunch or sharing your social media passwords might have had you going, “Is this even legal?” Well, there are plenty of things employers can’t legally ask you to do, no matter how convincing (or persistent) they might be.
Avoid Salary Discussions
Notices at work discouraging salary discussions are illegal. Many employers try to silence these conversations to avoid exposing wage discrimination. However, the National Labor Relations Act ensures your right to talk about wages with coworkers.
Uncompensated Labor
Performing tasks or assignments without receiving any form of compensation—monetary or otherwise—is not only ethically questionable but also a violation of labor laws. In most jurisdictions, labor laws mandate that all work performed must be adequately compensated according to agreed-upon terms.
Discriminate Against Your Coworkers
Your boss cannot legally compel you to discriminate against your coworkers. Workplace discrimination due to race, age, gender, religion, disability, or other characteristics is prohibited by law in many countries. This includes unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, assignments, or any aspect of employment based on these factors.
Retaliate Against Others
Retaliation includes actions like termination, demotion, or harassment directed at employees who engage in protected activities. It is illegal for employers to ask you to retaliate against others because federal laws strictly prohibit retaliation in the workplace.
Share Personal Information
This one is protected under various privacy of information laws and regulations, like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for health-related information. Employees have the right to maintain the confidentiality of their personal information, and employers are obligated to handle such information responsibly.
Reveal Family Planning
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 establishes that employers cannot inquire about a woman’s pregnancy status or caregiving responsibilities, ensuring equal treatment regardless of these factors. Discrimination based on pregnancy, related conditions, or biased perceptions is strictly prohibited.
Request 1099 Fraud
1099 fraud is like trying to sneak a cat into a dog show. It refers to the deliberate misclassification or non-reporting of income that should be reported on IRS Form 1099. This form is used to report various types of income, including freelance earnings, independent contractor fees, and other non-employee compensation.
Ignore Bullying
Workplace bullying negatively affects employees’ mental and physical well-being, productivity, and morale. Ignoring or condoning such behavior violates the rights of the affected employees and makes the employer liable for potential legal liabilities, including lawsuits for hostile work environment claims.
Wait for Your Paycheck
In most places, employers are required to pay their employees according to agreed-upon schedules, which are often set by law or contract. Payment delays can have legal ramifications and are generally not permissible unless there’s a valid reason, such as administrative errors or banking delays.
Agree to Forceful Promotion
Promotions often come with changes in roles, responsibilities, and sometimes even location or working conditions. It’s important for both you and your employer that any change in your job status is mutually agreed upon. Hence, your boss cannot force you to accept a promotion.
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