National Workers' Rights Charter of Nouvelle Alexandrie

Legislative History

Status	Date	Tabled By	Vote Outcome
Introduced in the Federal Assembly	1736 AN	Deputy Sadrina Alessandros
Debated in the Federal Assembly	1736 AN
Passed in the Federal Assembly	1736 AN
Debated in the Chamber of Peers	1736 AN
Passed in the Chamber of Peers	1736 AN
Royal Assent	1736 AN

Bill Text

As submitted to the Hopper of the Federal Assembly, 1736 AN.

A

BILL

TO

Establish minimum standards for workplace safety, wages, and workers' rights, among other purposes.

NATIONAL WORKERS' RIGHTS CHARTER ACT, 1736

Ordered, by the Federal Assembly of Nouvelle Alexandrie,
to be Printed, 1736 AN.

_______________________________

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Federal Assembly, in this present session assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS.

Article 1: Short Title.

1. This act shall be known as the National Workers' Rights Charter Act, 1736.
   

Article 2: Definitions.

1. "Employee" means an individual engaged by an employer to perform work for wages or other compensation.
2. "Employer" means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity that hires employees.
3. "Wages" for purposes of this act, means any compensation paid to an employee for his or her labor, including salaries, hourly rates, commissions, and bonuses.
4. "Benefits" for purposes of this act, means additional compensation provided by an employer to an employee, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
5. "Allowances" for purposes of this act, means fixed sums of money paid to an employee to cover specific work-related expenses.
6. "Labor Union" means an organization of employees formed for the purpose of collective bargaining with employers regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.
7. "Collective bargaining" for purposes of this act, means the negotiation between an employer and a labor union representing a group of employees to reach an agreement on wages, benefits, and working conditions.
8. "Discrimination" for purposes of this act, means treating a person differently based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other factor not related to job performance.
9. "Harassment" for purposes of this act, means unwelcome conduct that is based on a protected characteristic (as defined through "discrimination") and creates a hostile work environment.
10. "Personal protective equipment" means equipment worn by an employee for the purpose of minimizing exposure to hazards.
11. "Overtime" means hours worked in excess of the standard workweek.
12. "Severance pay" means compensation paid to an employee upon termination of employment without cause.
13. "Paid time off" for purposes of this act, means time away from work for which an employee is paid, including vacation days, sick leave, and personal leave.
14. "Standard workweek" for purposes of this act, means forty (40) hours a week.
    

PART II
WORKPLACE SAFETY.

Article 3: Individual Safety.

1. Every employer has a duty to provide a safe workplace for all employees free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
2. Employees shall comply with all safety rules and regulations established by the employer and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed. They have a duty to report any unsafe conditions or practices to their supervisor immediately.
3. Employers shall provide all employees with job-specific safety training upon hire and on an ongoing basis. This training shall address potential hazards, safe work practices, and the use of PPE.
4. Employees have the right to refuse to perform work they believe in good faith to be unsafe without fear of retaliation. Employers shall establish clear procedures for reporting safety concerns and investigating incidents.
   

Article 4: Workplace Inspections.

1. Employers shall conduct regular inspections of the workplace to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions promptly. The frequency of inspections will be determined by the level of risk associated with the workplace activities.
2. The Department of Labor shall have the authority to conduct unannounced inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with this Act and other regulations. Employers have a duty to cooperate with inspectors and provide access to all relevant documentation.
3. Employers shall maintain records of all workplace inspections, accidents, and near misses. These records must be made available to Department of Labor inspectors upon request.
4. Following an inspection, the Department of Labor may issue citations and orders for corrective actions to address any identified safety violations. Employers are obligated to comply with these orders within a specified timeframe.
   

PART III
WAGES, BENEFITS, AND ALLOWANCES.

Article 5: Wages

1. The Government shall establish a national minimum wage by regulation, reviewed and adjusted periodically to reflect the cost of living. This minimum wage shall meet the basic needs of workers and their families.
2. Wages shall be paid in a timely manner and in accordance with a predetermined schedule. Employers must provide clear and accurate paystubs detailing earnings, deductions, and net pay.
3. Employers are prohibited from any practices that constitute wage theft, including:
   1. Failing to pay for all hours worked, including overtime.
   2. Making illegal deductions from wages.
   3. Misclassifying employees as exempt from overtime pay.
   4. Withholding earned tips or commissions.
4. All employees performing equal work in the same establishment, under similar conditions, shall receive equal wages, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or nationality.
5. Overtime work shall be compensated at a rate of at least one-and-a-half (1.5) times the regular hourly wage.
   

Article 5: Benefits

1. The following benefits may be mandated by regulation, with specific details regarding coverage and contributions established:
   1. Employers may be required to offer health insurance plans to all employees, potentially with shared contributions between employer and employee.
   2. Employers may be required to offer retirement savings plans, such as pension plans or contributions to individual retirement accounts.
2. Employers may offer a variety of additional benefits, such as:
   1. Life Insurance
   2. Disability Insurance
   3. Paid Time Off
   4. Parental Leave
   5. Tuition Reimbursement
   6. Employee Discounts
      

Article 6: Allowances

1. Allowances may be provided for expenses such as:
   1. Transportation
   2. Meal Allowance
   3. Tool Allowance
   4. Uniform Allowance
2. Regulations may be established by employers for specific requirements for certain allowances, such as eligibility criteria and maximum amounts.
   

PART IV
WORKERS' RIGHTS.

Article 7: Social Rights

1. Workers have the right to form or join labor unions of their choosing for the purpose of collective bargaining. Employers are prohibited from interfering with this right.
2. Employers shall recognize and bargain in good faith with legally elected representatives of labor unions concerning wages, benefits, and working conditions.
3. All workers have the right to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. This includes protection from harassment, bullying, and unfair disciplinary practices.
4. Employees have the right to privacy regarding their personal information. Employers may only collect and use employee data for legitimate business purposes as outlined by regulations.
   

Article 7: Civil Rights

1. No person shall be discriminated against in employment practices on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other factor not related to job performance.
2. Workers have the right to complain about violations of their rights under this Act without fear of retaliation. The Department of Labor shall establish a fair and accessible system for investigating and resolving workplace complaints.
3. All employees shall be entitled to a minimum amount of paid sick leave per year, as established by regulation. This leave can be used for personal illness, injury, or to care for a sick family member.
4. Employers shall provide working conditions that are fair and conducive to worker health and safety. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring:
   1. Adequate breaks and meal periods.
   2. Reasonable workload expectations.
   3. Access to clean and sanitary restrooms and break facilities.
   4. A workplace free from excessive noise, temperature extremes, or other hazards.
      

PART V.
'CLOSING PROVISIONS.

Article 8: Appropriations.

1. The amounts necessary for the implementation of this Act are hereby appropriated from available funds not otherwise appropriated.
   

Article 9: Enforcement.

1. The Department of Labor shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this Act. The Department shall have the authority to conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and impose penalties on employers who violate these provisions.
   

Article 10: Closing Provisions.

1. This act shall apply to all of the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie.
2. This act shall not become law unless it has been given Royal Assent.
3. This act shall be published and made publicly available.
4. This act shall take effect on its approval.
5. If any provision of this act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the act, and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.