Pennsylvania Labor Laws and Temporary Workers: How To Protect Your Rights Your Rights This Holiday Season

Over the busy holiday season, Pennsylvania businesses rely on temporary workers to meet increased demand. From warehouse and delivery positions to holiday retail and event staffing, thousands of short-term jobs open up across the state.

While these jobs may not offer the same benefits or security as permanent employment, temporary workers still have legal protections under state laws. Our experienced Harrisburg labor and employment lawyer explains what you need to know if you are planning on picking up extra income over the holidays and how to avoid being taken advantage of.

Common Labor Law Violations Affecting Seasonal Workers In Harrisburg

The holidays are a hectic time of year, particularly for the manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and transportation industries. To keep up with the spike in demand, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that businesses nationwide hire nearly 500,000 temporary workers each season.

While getting a side gig can help in meeting winter bills, the nature of seasonal employment makes you more vulnerable to unfair treatment. Common labor law violations include:

• Unpaid wages or overtime: Employers may wrongly claim that seasonal workers are exempt from overtime laws.
• Misclassification: Workers are sometimes labeled as “independent contractors” to avoid paying benefits or taxes.
• Denied meal or rest breaks: While Pennsylvania does not require rest breaks, it does require a 30-minute meal break for workers under 18 and encourages safe scheduling for all.
• Unsafe conditions, discrimination, or retaliation: Federal and state laws protect seasonal workers, as well as permanent employees.

When Harrisburg employers commit wage or labor violations, they can be required to pay lost income, penalties, and other damages under the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

How Temporary Workers in Harrisburg Can Protect Themselves This Holiday Season

Are you working temporarily, or do you plan to pick up a job in Harrisburg over the holiday season? Here’s how to protect your rights:

• Get all pay details in writing, including hourly rates, overtime, and shift schedules.
• Track your hours carefully, especially if your employer uses an automated timekeeping system.
• Speak up early if you’re not being paid properly or forced to work off the clock.
• Document and report unsafe conditions or any work-related injuries right away.

Suspect your employer of committing labor violations? Concerned about retaliation for asserting your rights? Contact our experienced Harrisburg labor and employment lawyer right away.

To Protect Your Rights On The Job, Contact Our Experienced Harrisburg Labor and Employment Lawyer

As a seasonal worker, you are entitled to fair treatment on the job and can hold employers accountable for labor law violations that put you or your rights at risk.

At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we protect the rights of seasonal workers throughout Central PA when employers withhold wages, cut corners on safety, or otherwise put you, your health, or financial security at risk. To request a consultation with our experienced Harrisburg labor and employment lawyer, call or contact our office today.

Sources:

bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/retail-trade-holiday-employment-buildup-and-layoff-2017-2024.htm

legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1961/0/0329..PDF

dol.gov/general/topic/workhours/parttimeemployment