Employee Right - Employer Policies

Some federal and state laws do not apply to private sector employees. The employees’ rights in such cases are subject to the outlined policy of the employer. There is no federal or state employment law for severance pay, sick leave, vacations, etc., and in such cases it is the policy statement of the employer that is followed. It is better to go though the policy statement of the employer at the time of appointment. It makes the employee well aware about his/her rights in regard to probation, promotion, termination, employee privacy, etc. It highlights organizational requirements, rules, and regulations. Policies can be communicated in various ways: through employee handbooks, memos, union contracts, etc.

The company policy usually includes:

• Statement of the company's goals and philosophy
• Working hours
• Statement of nondiscrimination
• Procedures and policies for absence from work
• Performance evaluation procedures
• Pay periods
• Safety and accident rules
• Use of company property
• Vacation and holiday policies

However, the employer can change the policy statement at any time. But employees have to be notified about the possible changes taking place. Some state courts have held that a handbook is like a contract, unless the handbook disclaims itself in writing. The policies should be uniformly applied to all the employees; it cannot discriminate between employees. Employees can file a case of discrimination, if they have been overlooked (in spite of a company policy for a certain privilege) because of age, color, race, sex, or disability.